*** UPDATE***
On May 5, 2023, during the search of Smarr-Hunter's vehicle, the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office located a pocketbook containing a AAA card with the name of a person who deputies discovered lived on Wicker Lovell Rd. Additional deputies responded to that address and made contact with the victim. The victim advised that they had been awakened around 1:30 am by the dogs barking. Upon checking the vehicles, they both had been entered and items thrown around. The victim reported a pocketbook containing driver’s license and debit cards was missing. The description given matched the one deputies found in possession of Smarr-Hunter.
While patrolling the area, deputies located another vehicle burglary on Wicker Lovell Rd., and therefore began a mass canvass of the area. Another vehicle was found to have been broken into and ransacked. Contact was made with the vehicle's owner, who advised that cash and coins were missing and a report was generated.
All three vehicle break-ins were linked to Smarr-Hunter through the continuation of the investigation, resulting in additional charges against Smarr-Hunter. The magistrate found probable cause for three counts of felony breaking and entering a motor vehicle, financial card theft, felony possession of stolen goods/property, two counts misdemeanor larceny, and misdemeanor possession of stolen goods/property. Still confined in Randolph County Detention Center, he was served the additional warrants and issued an additional $55,000 secured bond with a first appearance on these new charges set for May 9, 2023, in Randolph County District Court.
Additional vehicle break-in reports were subsequently taken in the area of Franklinville. Those cases are still under investigation and additional charges may still be forthcoming.
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On May 5, 2023, the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of Allred St. and West Main St., Franklinville, for a report of a suspicious vehicle. The caller was able to provide a description of the occupants of the vehicle who had exited the vehicle and were walking in the area. Upon arrival to Allred St., the deputy observed 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. Communications advised the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Asheboro. Ramseur Police Department responded to assist with stop sticks in the area of Clarke Avenue and NC-22N. 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.
NC State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) arrived and joined in the pursuit. 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. He 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 Detention Center where the magistrate found probable cause for the charges of 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, failed to yield for stop sign/flashing red light, and fail to burn headlamps. He was issued a $75,000 secured bond and a first appearance was set for May 8, 2023, in Randolph County District Court.
This investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be forthcoming.
Name of Defendant:
Cory Jermael Smarr-Hunter
High Point, NC
Age: 18
