Cumberland County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina
End of Watch: Wednesday, September 14, 1977
Age: 46
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: September 14, 1977
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Auxiliary Lieutenant Ronald Smith was shot and killed while conducting a stakeout at a convenience store.
Because of an increase in armed robberies, several auxiliary deputies were staking out convenience stores. A 25-year-old man who attempted to rob one of the stores shot Lieutenant Smith when he attempted to arrest him. The suspect turned himself into authorities the next day. He was charged with Lieutenant Smith's murder and several armed robberies.
On March 17, 1978, the suspect was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life. He was still in prison in 2022, with a release date in 2060.
Lieutenant Smith was the commander of the Cumberland County Auxiliary Officers. He was survived by his wife and two daughters.