Patrolman William J. Smith Jr.
North Carolina Highway Patrol
North Carolina
End of Watch: Friday, January 11, 1974

Biographical Info
Age: 50
Tour of Duty: 25 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Vehicle pursuit
Date of Incident: Friday, January 11, 1974
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: Not available

Patrolman Smith was killed in an automobile accident while pursuing a traffic violator on N.C. Highway 101 in Carteret County. His vehicle struck a bridge abutment and burst into flames. Rescuers were unable to approach the vehicle when they arrived because his ammunition was exploding as a result of the heat.

Patrolman Smith was assigned to Troop A, District 8. He had been with the agency for 25 years and was survived by his wife and son, who later went into law enforcement.