A former Leland police captain, who once worked as a Roanoke Rapids police officer, faces seven counts of attempted murder after he allegedly fired seven shots at a Brunswick County Sheriff's Office deputyTuesday night, according to Wilmington area media reports.

Howard Henry 'Hank' Smith Jr., 40, worked as an officer in Roanoke Rapids from 1999 to 2001, the city confirmed today. He resigned from his position.

The Wilmington Star-News reported in its Wednesday online edition that charging documents show Smith led officers on a 40-mile chase after deputies attempted to serve him warrants for assault on a female and assault with a deadly weapon at his job at Food Lion in Holden Beach. The chase continued into Horry County, South Carolina, with speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour.

The full Star-News account may be found by following this link.