ASHEBORO N.C. – A call about a suspicious vehicle turned into a pursuit that ended with a teen in jail facing a list of felony charges.
On May 5th, 2023, the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office says they responded to the area of Allred St. and West Main St., Franklinville, for a report of a suspicious vehicle. The caller provided a description of the occupants of the vehicle who had pulled over and were walking in the area.
When deputies arrived, they spotted a male subject standing on the passenger side of the vehicle. “When the deputy turned on the vehicle spotlights, the male ran around the vehicle, entered the driver’s seat and drove off. A traffic stop was initiated, but the driver refused to stop, and a vehicle pursuit ensued,” said the Sheriff’s Office in a press release.
Randolph County 911 was able to run the plate on the vehicle, which reported stolen out of Asheboro.
Ramseur Police Department responded to assist with stop sticks in the area of Clarke Avenue and NC-22 N. According to police, when the driver approached, he swerved towards the officer, who had to jump out of the way to avoid being struck. The driver then turned the vehicle towards the officer again before making a right turn.
Area agencies were alerted that the vehicle was northbound on I-73 and the NC State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) arrived and joined in the pursuit. As the vehicle took the I-74 exit NCSHP conducted a forced vehicle maneuver just beyond the Cedar Square Exit. Deputies approached the vehicle and assisted the driver out of the vehicle.
The driver was placed under arrest and identified as Cory Jermael Smarr-Hunter.
Randolph County EMS responded for evaluation and later transported him to an area hospital for additional evaluation and treatment.
Following treatment, Smarr-Hunter was transported to the Randolph County Jail where the magistrate found probable multiple felony charges including felony flee/elude arrest with a motor vehicle, felony larceny of motor vehicle, felony possession of stolen motor vehicle, felony assault with a deadly weapon against a government official,
Smarr-Hunter was issued a $75,000 secured bond and as of the time of publication remains confined in the Randolph County Jail.
The Sheriff’s Office says the investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be forthcoming.
Cory Jermael Smarr-Hunter
- Felony flee/elude arrest with a motor vehicle
- Felony larceny of motor vehicle
- Felony possession of stolen motor vehicle
- Felony assault with a deadly weapon against a government official
- Misdemeanor speeding
- Misdemeanor reckless driving to endanger
- Misdemeanor no operators license
- Misdemeanor open container alcohol violation
- Failure to yield for stop sign/flashing red light
- Fail to burn headlamps
$75,000 secured bond