[Ed. note: Law enforcement captured 48-year-old William Robert Smith Jr. near the Columbus-Brunswick county line at almost 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17. He was taken into custody close to Green Tree Road and transported for medical attention.]
COLUMBUS COUNTY — State and local law enforcement have called a manhunt after a Columbus County sheriff’s deputy was shot following a traffic stop just before 8 a.m. on Sept. 16.
According to a statement released by the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office, on Wednesday morning, a deputy initiated a traffic stop. The suspect fled, leading to a pursuit which resulted in the suspect crashing the vehicle. They then fled the scene on foot, wherein the suspect ran into a deputy, resulting in an altercation that led to the deputy being shot. The deputy was transported to Novant Health in New Hanover County and is in stable condition.
The suspect, a male, is still on the run, and residents are asked to avoid Delco Prosper and Livingston Chapel roads. Both the State Bureau of Investigation and the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office explained there will be increased law enforcement activity in the area, including helicopters.
Several law enforcement agencies from around the state have joined in the manhunt to assist Columbus County’s search, including the SBI and the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office. According to a press release from the SBI, there are more than 75 officers, state troopers and deputies from numerous law enforcement agencies involved in the search.
SBI spokesperson Chad Flowers told Port City Daily the FBI is also involved in the search, along with the Highway Patrol and the Alcohol Law Enforcement. There are over 10 agencies currently working on the search.
“We will go as long as needed,” Flowers said about how long the search may take. “For days, if we have to.”
At Port City Daily, we aim to keep locals informed on top-of-mind news facing the tri-county region. To support our work and help us reach more people in 2026, please, consider helping one of two ways: Subscribe here or make a one-time contribution here.
We appreciate your ongoing support.
