GOVERNOR OFFERS REWARD FOR CAPTURE OF MAN WHO SHOT DEPUTY

The hunt continued through Wednesday for a Brunswick County man who
authorities believe shot at an undercover deputy conducting drug
surveillance Tuesday afternoon.

"We are following up on every lead," said Chief Deputy Tony Cummings of the
Brunswick County Sheriff's Department.

Federal, state and local law enforcement officers are searching for Davin
Lamont Smith, 26, of Randolphville Road, Bolivia.

Gov. Mike Easley also got involved in the search Wednesday by offering a
$2,500 reward for information leading to Mr. Smith's arrest and conviction.

The Brunswick County Sheriff's Department was conducting the surveillance
operation Tuesday in the area around Old Ocean Highway and Randolphville Road.

The deputy, whose name wasn't released because he is working undercover,
was sitting in his vehicle near the intersection. He noticed the driver of
a green Chevrolet Aurora staring at him as it passed by. Moments later,
several bullets pierced the deputy's vehicle, and he suffered minor
injuries from shrapnel and flying glass. He was treated at the scene.

After calling for help, the deputy saw the green Aurora pass again. The
deputy said he recognized the driver as Mr. Smith from previous arrests.
Mr. Smith is described as a 6-foot-tall, 170-pound black man with black
hair and brown eyes.

Any information on his whereabouts can be reported to the Brunswick County
Sheriff's Department at 763-7401 or (800) 672-6379.