WPD identifies suspect of robberies and break ins

Since Christmas, Wallace PD, Duplin County S.O., Pender County S.O., and Benson P.D have responded to numerous Break-Ins and Robberies of local businesses. Late last night, after several days of hunting the suspect, Wallace PD but a lid on this rash of crimes.

Through our investigation, WPD identified the suspect as Joseph Michael Smith, 40, of Wallace.

Just before midnight on 2/16, WPD officers located the suspect’s vehicle at a local business. After observing the vehicle for sometime, Smith appeared. When confronted by officers, Smith ran but was apprehended.

During an interrogation by Det. Lisa Horning, Smith confessed to several of his recent crimes, including a break-in he just committed while officers were watching his vehicle.

Smith was charged with the following crimes by Wallace PD and served with warrants obtained by the other agencies.

Wallace PD

3 Counts: Felony (F) Breaking and Entering (B&E); 3 Counts: (F) Larceny After B&E; (F) Habitual B&E - $55,000.00

Pender County

(F) B&E, (F) Safecracking; (F) Larceny after B&E; Misdemeanor (M) Possession of stolen goods; (M) Possession of Burglary Tools; (M) Injury to Personal Property (M) Injury to Real Property - $32,500.00

Benson PD

(F) Larceny from the Person; (F) Common Law Robbery - $10,000.00

Duplin County

2 Counts: (F) B&E; 2 Counts: (F) Larceny After B&E; 2 Counts: (M) Poss Stolen Goods/Property

(M) Injury to Personal Property - $54,000.00

A great job by all WPD officers who refused to give up in their pursuit of justice. A big thank you to several citizens and local businesses who provided us with their video surveillance.