03/28/2024
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Sheriff James A. McVicker announced the arrest today of Johnny Lee Smith Jr, 43, of 66 Waddell Smith Road, Clarkton, after he was caught breaking into a home of Ronald Britt Road near Bladenboro on Wednesday.

McVicker said deputies stopped Smith on NC 211 as he fled the scene of the crime. The homeowner, Bridgett Renee Montgomery, 29, returned to her home on Ronald Britt Road after going to the store. When she arrived home she found her back door open and a car in the yard she did not recognize. On entry, she confronted Smith as he came out of her bedroom with jewelry in his hand.

Montgomery drew a handgun and held Smith at gunpoint as she attempted to call 911. Smith managed to push past her and get to his vehicle and flee the scene. Montgomery gave 911 dispatchers a description of the vehicle and deputies stopped him less than five miles from the scene. They recovered stolen property in the vehicle.

Smith was placed in Bladen County Jail under a $7,650 secured bond. He was charged with Felonious Breaking and Entering, Felonious Larceny, Felonious Possession of Stolen Goods and Injury to Personal Property for the home robbery. Smith was also served outstanding warrants for failure to appear on child support charges.

“I hate that any citizen has to come home to find someone stealing their hard earned possessions,” said McVicker. “In this case I am glad this brave woman was not hurt and had the composure to give us a good description of the suspect and his vehicle. We were fortunate to have a deputy in the area who was able to catch up with Smith and stop him. I am proud of the homeowner and I am proud of the deputies who responded and made the arrest.”

McVicker said Smith was also being investigated as a suspect in other recent breaking and entering cases in the county.

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