Allendale County Sheriff's Department, South Carolina
End of Watch: Monday, August 24, 1992
Age: 37
Tour of Duty: 10 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: August 24, 1992
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Chief Deputy Charlie Smith was shot and killed in the Creekwood Apartment complex parking lot.
Chief Deputy Smith was leading an investigation into a suspected narcotics operation at the Rainbow Motel. The week prior to his death, a search revealed drug paraphernalia and equipment to monitor police activities. However, they were unable to apprehend the suspect.
On Monday morning, Chief Deputy Smith dropped his son off at his childcare provider. As he returned to his vehicle, he was ambushed and shot over 10 times. The shooter placed Chief Deputy Smith into the back of his patrol car and left the vehicle on Water Street Connection.
A witness was able to give a description of the shooter, and two witnesses watched a man park the patrol car and run to the Rainbow Motel. When the State Law Enforcement Division agents attempted to apprehend the suspect, he fled. During the pursuit, the suspect fired at law enforcement, who returned fire, killing the suspect. The suspect was the narcotics drug dealer who had sold cocaine to an informant, which led to the investigation.
Chief Deputy Smith had served with the Allendale County Sheriff's Department for seven years and previously served with the Allendale Police Department. He was survived by his wife, two sons, parents, two sisters, three brothers, foster parents, and two foster sisters.