Deputy Sheriff Joe Smith Jr.
Cumberland County Sheriff's Office
North Carolina
End of Watch: Saturday, January 5, 1974

Biographical Info
Age: 41
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Saturday, January 5, 1974
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Paroled in 1988

Deputy Smith was shot and killed by a hitchhiker while giving directions to a truck driver.

The truck driver had picked up the hitchhiker. While Deputy Smith sat in his patrol car the suspect exited the truck and shot him in the head. The suspect then stole Deputy Smith's patrol car and wrecked it while being pursued by police. The suspect fled on foot into a residential area and was captured minutes later.

There was no motive for the murder. The suspect was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 30 years in prison April 1, 1974. He was paroled July 8, 1988.

Deputy Smith had served with the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office For Two Years. He had retired from the United States Air Force two years ealier. He was survived by his wife and five children.