HOFFMAN — A Richmond County man is facing drug charges and traffic charges in Moore County.
According to a press release, investigators with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office were contacted Sept. 23 to assist the Aberdeen Police Department and Moore County Sheriff’s Office with an investigation that began after a shooting in Aberdeen.
Investigators say 42-year-old Robert Antwon Smith, of Hoffman, was identified as a person of interest.
A warrant was reportedly obtained to search Smith’s home on Jones Webster Road and investigators in Moore County requested support from the RCSO’s Special Response team and detectives to serve the “high-risk warrant.”
While the operation was being planned, Smith was reportedly spotted by officers with the Southern Pines Police Department. Police reportedly attempted a traffic stop and say Smith fled on foot, but was apprehended after a short chase.
Since Smith was in custody, the RCSO says “the need for the Special Response Team was reduced,” and investigators executed the search warrant, reportedly finding a firearm inside the home.
“This successful collaboration once again demonstrates our commitment to working closely with other law enforcement agencies to ensure that those who break the law are held accountable and brought to justice," Richmond County Sheriff Mark B. Gulledge said in a statement.
Online records show Smith was charged by the Aberdeen Police Department with: possession with intent to sell or deliver cocaine; felony possession of cocaine; maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for a controlled substance; simple possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance; and possession of drug paraphernalia. The incident date on those charges is Sept. 16.
The Southern Pines Police Department has charged Smith with fleeing to elude arrest with a motor vehicle, driving while license revoked and several other traffic infractions, related to the reported chase.
Smith is being held in the Moore County Detention Center on a combined $35,000 secured bond and is scheduled to appear in court Oct. 14.
Court records show Smith also has a pending charge of accessory after the fact from August. The warrant was issued Sept. 9 and he was arrested on that charge on Sept. 16. He was released on a $5,000 secured bond.
Records with the N.C. Department of Adult Correction show Smith has multiple prior convictions in the Sandhills:
2001 - second-degree burglary, felony larceny (Hoke)
2003 - six counts of possessing stolen goods (Moore)
2004 - possessing stolen goods, operating a vehicle without a license (Moore)
2009 - possessing stolen goods, being a habitual felon (Moore)
2023 - possession of a Schedule II controlled substance, possession with intent to sell a Schedule II controlled substance, maintaining any place for a controlled substance (Moore)
All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
