Routine Traffic Stop Leads To Assault Charge

SMITHFIELD, N.C. – What began as a traffic stop for speeding on West Market Street quickly became anything but routine after police discovered the driver was wanted on an outstanding warrant and she allegedly slipped out of her handcuffs twice before kicking an officer.

A Smithfield Police officer stopped a 2025 Nissan Sentra around 10:38 a.m. Aug. 7 after reportedly clocking the vehicle traveling 52 mph in a 35 mph zone.

The driver was identified as Littlemaria Cataline Garcia, 20, of Raleigh.

During the stop, police learned Garcia was wanted by the Knightdale Police Department on a July 2026 warrant charging her with misdemeanor communicating threats.

According to the warrant, Garcia allegedly threatened an individual by saying she would go to the person’s workplace and shoot it up.

Garcia was taken into custody, handcuffed and placed inside a Smithfield Police patrol car.

Police said she managed to slip out of the handcuffs twice.

During one of the incidents, Garcia was allegedly kicking the patrol car door. When the officer opened the door in an attempt to place her back in handcuffs, Garcia allegedly kicked the officer.

The officer was not injured.

Smithfield Police charged Garcia with assault on a government official, resisting a public officer and speeding. She was also served with the outstanding Knightdale Police warrant for communicating threats.

Garcia received a $10,000 bond on the Smithfield charges and an additional $1,000 bond on the Knightdale warrant.

Her Nissan was towed from the scene.