Columbus County Sherriff’s Office H.E.A.T team arrest Chadbourn man for DWI after traffic stop

CERRO GORDO, NC (WWAY) — A Chadbourn man was arrested after a Columbus County Sheriff’s Office H.E.A.T. team deputy conducted a traffic stop Sept. 27.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, a deputy observed a dark-colored vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and driving erratically near the intersection of Page Mill Road and Blackwell Road.

The driver was identified as 36-year-old Christopher Rashane Smith of Chadbourn. Deputies said they observed signs that Smith was under the influence of alcohol.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Smith initially refused impairment testing. Deputies searched the vehicle and found multiple open containers and a concealed handgun.

Smith was taken to the Columbus County Law Enforcement Center, where he voluntarily submitted to a breath test that indicated he was impaired, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Smith was charged with driving while impaired, carrying a concealed gun, an open container alcohol violation and driving left of center.