ASHEBORO N.C. (RNN) – A murder suspect is in custody leading police on a high-speed chase through Randolph County overnight.

According to a press release by the Asheboro Police Department, on Sunday, March 25th, 2021, at 2:09 a.m., officers were dispatched to 340 Brookside Drive in Asheboro for a call about an unknown medical situation.

When officers arrived, they discovered 55-year-old Sherrie Shaw deceased in the residence. Investigators with Asheboro Police Dept began a homicide investigation. 

Relatively quickly Investigators were able to determine a possible suspect and vehicle. At around 3 a.m., a nearby patrol officer with the Asheboro Police Department spotted the vehicle. The suspect, later identified as Billy J. Smith, Jr., fled from the officer, leading to a vehicle pursuit involving officers with the Asheboro Police Department and deputies with the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office.

During the pursuit, the suspect struck two Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicles. The pursuit ended when Smith drove off the roadway on U.S. Highway 64 near East Salisbury Street and got stuck in a wooded area. Smith then ran from the vehicle on foot but was immediately apprehended. 

Billy J. Smith Jr

Billy J. Smith, Jr., 49 years of age, has been charged with the following offenses: 

  • Murder 
  • Larceny of a Motor Vehicle
  • Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle 
  • Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Government Official (Two counts)
  • Felony Fleeing to Elude Arrest 
  • Driving While License Revoked 

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