Craig Lee Smith, III (28 years old of Hampshire Drive near Jefferson, WV) is under arrest following a pursuit this afternoon.
Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office Property Crimes detectives spotted him driving a stolen motorcycle about which they’d received a tip. The pursuit began when detectives attempted a traffic stop on Piedmont Road east of Charleston, WV.
The pursuit snaked through Charleston’s East End, West Side, and North Charleston. It went to Dunbar, then across the Kanawha River into South Charleston. The motorcycle then led Deputies out Smith Creek Road, Dry Branch Road, and into the City of Saint Albans. As it came into Jefferson, WV on Kanawha Terrace it turned into Green Valley Drive then Hampshire Drive.
Mr. Smith then fled on foot into woods and was pursued by Deputies including a K9 who apprehended Mr. Smith. He has been taken to an area hospital for treatment to his injuries. No one else was injured during the pursuit.
At various times officers from Charleston PD, Dunbar PD, South Charleston PD, Saint Albans PD, Nitro PD, and the West Virginia State Police assisted Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office Deputies in the pursuit. Communication between the many agencies was handled by dispatchers at Metro 911.
Mr. Smith will be charged with fleeing and possession of a stolen vehicle. As is always the case in criminal matters, the charges against Mr. Smith are merely accusations. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.