December 27, 2023, News Release

On December 26, 2023 at approximately 4:00 PM, the Sheriff’s Office received a call from Sheriff Donald Smith requesting assistance with getting a stolen vehicle stopped. The vehicle was owned by the Sheriff, and occupied by his brother Ronald William Smith, 41 of Churchville. The Sheriff attempted to get the vehicle stopped on Churchville Ave, near Eagle Rock Lane, with no success. The stolen vehicle was a red, 2000 International, single axle, semi-tractor with a goose neck trailer attached.

The vehicle continued on Churchville Ave. then proceeded north on St. Hwy 262. Augusta County Sheriff’s Office Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle at the intersection of St. Hwy. 262 and Commerce Rd. The suspect vehicle refused to stop and a pursuit ensued through the intersection continuing on Woodrow Wilson Pkwy. The suspect turned onto Balsey Rd, then made an abrupt U-turn in a drive way back onto Balsey Rd. The deputies used tire deflation devices attempting to stop the suspect vehicle with no success. The pursuit continued through Verona to Fort Defiance Rd. and into the parking lot at Stewart Middle School. Smith then drove into the parking lot of Clymore Elementary where Smith intentionally rammed a deputy’s vehicle and attempted to pin a second deputy’s vehicle between the stolen truck and trailer.

Tire deflation devices were again used to disable the semi-truck in the parking lot. The Sheriff’s K-9 was utilized in an attempt to take Smith into custody, which was unsuccessful. Deputies continued giving Smith commands to exit the vehicle, in which he did not comply. While inside the vehicle, Smith shouldered a hay spear like a long rifle. Deputies were later able to determine that it was a piece of metal and not a firearm. Deputies opened the driver side door and ordered Smith out of the vehicle in which he complied and was taken into custody without any further incidents.

Smith was transported to Augusta Health with injuries to his left arm from the K-9 utilization. Smith was later released from Augusta Health, and charged with the following:

  • 18.2-460, Obstruction of Justice
  • 2 counts of 18.2-25/18.2-31, Attempted Aggravated Murder
  • 3 Counts of 18.2-137, Felony Destruction of Property
  • 18.2-266- Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
  • 18.2-137. Misdemeanor Destruction of Property
  • 46.2-817, Felony Eluding
  • 18.2-102/46.2-390, Unauthorized Use of a vehicle

Smith is being held without bond in Middle River Regional Jail.

As your Sheriff, I am not exempt from family issues and addiction problems. I’m extremely grateful that no one was seriously hurt by my brother’s actions and commend my Deputies and the Virginia State Police for ending this situation safely.