Auxiliary Lieutenant Ronald Gordon Smith, 46, was shot and killed on September 14, 1977, while conducting a stakeout at a Fayetteville convenience store. The stakeout was part of efforts to curb a series of armed robberies. A 25-year-old man attempted to rob the store and shot Lieutenant Smith when Smith tried to arrest him.

The suspect was later identified and charged with first-degree murder and several armed robberies. On March 17, 1978, the suspect was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. As of 2022 he remained incarcerated with a projected release date in 2060.

Smith commanded the Cumberland County Auxiliary Officers and was survived by his wife and two daughters. His death is listed among 13 line-of-duty deaths recorded by the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office since 1916. If anyone knew Lieutenant Smith or has information about that robbery series, please share what is remembered.