3rd Suspect Faces Felony Charge in Vandalism Case

Chapel Hill police arrested a third suspect Friday in connection with the vandalism of a car that happened after North Carolina's victory against Duke on Feb. 1.

UNC Freshman Dominick Randolph Smith, 19, of 403 Granville Towers East, has been charged with one count of felony rioting, which could result in jail time.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The charges against Smith were later dismissed and his record expunged.

Fans who rushed to Franklin Street after the game built unauthorized bonfires and overturned one car, resulting in extensive damage to the 1997 Honda Accord.

Chapel Hill police spokeswoman Jane Cousins said Smith was involved in the vandalism of the vehicle.

On Friday, Smith came into the Chapel Hill Police Department with his attorney, Bill Massengale, to be served the warrant for his arrest, reports state.

Smith was released on a written promise to appear in court. His first court appearance is set for today at Orange County District Court in Hillsborough.

Cousins said police received information that Smith was involved in actually overturning the car.

She would not specify where officers obtained the information.

Smith could not be reached for comment this weekend.

UNC students James Auman Haltom, 20, and Robert Houston Davenport III, 18, already have been arrested by Chapel Hill police in connection with the vandalism.

Cousins said the police department hopes to attain information that will lead to more arrests.

Police subpoenaed a news video from WRAL-TV and are using anonymous digital photographs to identify suspects. They also have distributed fliers asking for information on the people in the photos.

"We are continuing to investigate and don't, at this point, know how many arrests there will be," Cousins said.

Cousins said she hoped the University and community reaction to the incident would deter revelers from any similar incidents at games in the future.

Police urge those with information about this incident to call Crime Stoppers at 942-7515.

 

The City Editor can be reached

at citydesk@unc.edu.