On October 11, 2022 at approximately 10:45 p.m., an officer from the Patrol Division (A Shift) of the Goldsboro Police Department was conducting patrols in the area of Stronach Ave and William St when they witnessed a traffic violation and suspected a narcotics violation involving a Jeep Cherokee. The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop; however, the driver of the Jeep failed to stop resulting in a vehicle pursuit.  The pursuit traveled North on William Street to Patetown Road, where the driver of the Jeep attempted to turn right onto Patetown Road. The driver of the Jeep was not able to control his vehicle and struck another vehicle stopped at the traffic light on Patetown Road.

The collision of the vehicles forced the other vehicle backwards and then into the driveway of Goldsboro Fire Department Station #3. The Jeep Cherokee came to rest on the curb on the Northside of Patetown Road. The driver of the Jeep then jumped from the vehicle and fled on foot towards Alpha Arms Apartments. The officer gave chase on foot and apprehended the driver a short distance away without further incident. The driver was identified as 39-year-old Cory Devon Smith of Goldsboro.

Smith and the two occupants of the other vehicle (driver and front seat passenger) were evaluated by Wayne Co. EMS and transported to UNC Health Wayne. The occupants of the other vehicle were treated for minor injuries and released from the hospital.  

After further investigation, it was found that Smith was in possession of controlled substances and a stolen firearm. An additional firearm was located in Smith’s vehicle also. After Smith was treated at the hospital for minor injuries sustained from the crash, he was taken to the Wayne Co. Magistrate’s Office where he was charged as follows:

• Stop Light Violation (I)

• Flee to Elude Arrest (F)

• Driving While License Revoked (M)

• Resisting Public Officer (M)

• Hit & Run with Injury (F)

• Possession with Intent to Manufacture/Sell/Deliver Marijuana (F)

• Possession with Intent to Manufacture/Sell/Deliver Heroin (F)

• Trafficking Heroin (F)

• Maintaining a Vehicle for the Purposes of Controlled Substances (F)

• Possess Drug Paraphernalia (M)

• Possession of Stolen Firearm (F)

• Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon (F)

• Carrying Concealed Weapon (M) – 2 counts

Smith was held in the Wayne County Detention Center under a $65,000 secure bond with an initial court appearance set for October 12, 2022. Smith’s vehicle was seized pursuant to North Carolina’s Run & Done statute.  

The Goldsboro Fire Department and Wayne County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the incident.