Road Rage leads to charge of Assault with a Deadly Weapon

On March 21, 2024, Officers with the Morganton Department of Public Safety responded to the area of Sanford Drive for a motor vehicle collision.  While in route, Officers were advised the suspect vehicle had collided with the caller multiple times and could possibly be a road rage incident. 

Officers were able to locate the suspect and caller just outside the city limits of Morganton.  The suspect was detained and identified as Loland Smith, 40, of Morganton.  After further investigation, damage to both vehicles was observed and subsequently Smith was arrested and charged with Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

Smith received a $10,000 secured bond and a first appearance of April 26, 2024.

Assisting Agencies: Burke County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina State Highway Patrol