Gastonia teens accused of weekslong crime spree

GASTONIA, N.C. — Police arrested two Gastonia teenagers accused of several car thefts and an armed robbery in less than a month.

Jeremy Smith and Diashon Williams, both 17, together face 11 felony charges and a misdemeanor charge, according to Channel 9’s partner, the Gaston Gazette.

Gastonia police Officer C.L. Thomasson tried to pull over Williams Thursday on suspicion of driving a stolen car.

Williams initially tried to drive away from the scene, according to the arrest records.

The Gazette said it is unclear from arrest records how Smith was apprehended.

Police said the crime spree began April 30 when the teens stole a 2000 Toyota Camry.

The alleged Camry theft happened nine days after Smith was released from a 17-day stint in jail following charges of motor vehicle larceny and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

The teens are also accused of stealing a 2005 Suzuki and of using a firearm to rob a Gastonia woman of $4,300 in cash.

Smith is accused of stealing a 2004 Kia as well.

Smith is being held under a $305,000 bond and Williams under a $150,000 bond.

Williams’ charges:

• Two counts of felony motor vehicle larceny
• One count of felony robbery with a dangerous weapon
• One felony count of possessing a stolen motor vehicle
• Felony count of fleeing/eluding arrest
• Reckless driving with wanton disregard
• Pending misdemeanor charge for assault and battery

Smith’s charges

• Four felony counts of motor vehicle larceny
• Felony charge of robbery with a dangerous weapon
• Felony possessing a stolen motor vehicle
• Misdemeanor injury to real property
• Three charges of hit and run
• One count of driving without a license
• One count of having an altered title, registration card or tag
• He has three more motor vehicle larceny cases, as well as charges of resisting a public officer, larceny, marijuana possession, violating probation and possessing stolen property, currently pending.

Cox Media Group