FIRST ON 3: Former Leland cop indicted on attempted murder charges

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A grand jury has indicted the former Leland police officer who led officers on a high-speed chase.

Assistant District Attorney Lee Bollinger says the grand jury returned indictments against Hank Smith on three counts of attempted murder, three counts of assault with a firearm on a law enforcement officer and one count of felony speeding to elude.

A Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman said around 8:30 p.m. Sept. 16, deputies tried to serve warrants on Smith for charges of assault on a female, assault with a deadly weapon, assault by pointing a gun and communicating threats. The spokeswoman says Smith fled from deputies, which started a chase. Multiple agencies including BSCO pursued Smith, who was armed with a gun and firing shots at officers, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Investigators say the chase continued into Horry County and ended on SC Highway 31, where Smith was taken into custody by South Carolina officials.

He remains in custody in a South Carolina jail, where he faces more charges.