Four Oaks Woman Held On $5 Million Bond In Fatal Smithfield Collision

SMITHFIELD – A Four Oaks woman initially charged with driving while impaired following a fatal collision on South Brightleaf Boulevard is now facing additional felony charges, including aggravated felony death by motor vehicle.

Smithfield Police announced Thursday night, that Jasmine Ariel Taylor, 32, of Four Oaks had been charged with felony hit-and-run resulting in death, aggravated felony death by motor vehicle and driving while license revoked.

The additional charges follow the continued investigation into the Aug. 8 death of Tremaine White, 27, of Roseboro.

Police said Taylor surrendered to officers at the Johnston County Detention Center, where she was confined under a $5 million secured bond pending her first appearance in Johnston County District Court.

The fatal collision occurred around 12:50 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, in the area of 2320 S. Brightleaf Blvd.

Officers had been dispatched to the area for a welfare check on a person reportedly walking near the roadway. When police arrived, they found White deceased at the scene.

Investigators determined White had been struck by a vehicle and that the driver had left the scene.

While officers were investigating, Taylor returned to the scene after being driven back by a family member. Police said she told officers she had struck something in the roadway earlier that night.

Officers began a driving while impaired investigation, and Taylor was arrested. Police said a breath test later showed an alcohol concentration of .13, above the legal limit of .08.

Taylor was initially placed in the Johnston County Detention Center under a $2,500 secured bond on the DWI charge and released from custody after posting bail.

Following additional investigation and consultation with the Johnston County District Attorney’s Office, police obtained the new charges announced Thursday.

The Smithfield Police Department thanked the District Attorney’s Office and the N.C. State Highway Patrol for assisting with the investigation.