Man accused of leading police on 2 chases

CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. — The couple accused of being in the stolen truck and leading police in a chase in Catawba County had been in trouble with the law before.

The driver was accused of firing at officers during another chase earlier this year and had just gotten out of jail.
 
James Smith was arrested less than a month ago and police are searching for him again after the recent chase.
 
He's also a suspect in a home breaking and entering nearby where a woman had her anniversary ring stolen.
 
Jeremy Davis said his parent's home was broken into Wednesday night hours after the chase south of Hickory that ended a half-mile away with the driver eluding deputies and ditching the truck.
 
"He ate a pack of ham," Davis said. "Sat down and watched some TV. (He) made a couple of calls on the phone. The door was kicked in. He left a pair of pants. (He) must have changed into a pair of my dad's pants."
 
Smith posted a $62,000 bond after his earlier arrest for stealing the SUV and shooting at an officer. 
 
Law enforcement officers believe he's received help stealing both vehicles from Erin Shell, who was charged Wednesday night with possession of a stolen vehicle and resisting arrest. 
 
She had gone to another home down the street from Davis's home where she was caught. 
 
"It's ridiculous that you have some retirees that are living on an income that's on the low end and trying to make a living and this guy wants to destroy everything they've worked for," Davis said.
 
Davis said the thief also took his parents' laptop computer and other items.

WSOC