Ongoing Dispute Over Cell Phone Led To Vehicle Assault, Police Say
A vehicle collision in the parking lot of a Smithfield convenience store was an intentional act, Smithfield Police tell WTSB News and JoCoReport.
Over the holidays, police said two females got into a verbal dispute after one of the women said her cell phone had been stolen and claimed the other woman’s child may have been responsible for the theft. The dispute continued to escalate.
Around 5:30pm Thursday, Police allege 22 year-old Destony Lynetta Byrd of Charlotte located the other woman in the parking lot of the Speedway at 2103 S. Brightleaf Boulevard and intentionally rammed her car into a parked SUV. Byrd narrowly missing striking the female victim who was standing next to the SUV. However, another adult and two children, ages 1 and 12, were in the SUV. They sustained minor injuries and were transported by ambulance to Johnston Medical Center in Smithfield for treatment.
Police said Byrd fled from the scene in her vehicle before officers arrived.
Once located Byrd will be charged with felony hit and run and assault with a deadly weapon.
Photos by John Payne
