Man charged in deputy shooting makes first court appearance

A 48-year-old man accused of shooting a Columbus County sheriff’s deputy was ordered to be held without bond during his first court appearance Thursday.

William Robert Smith Jr. is charged with attempted first-degree murder, assault on a law enforcement officer with a firearm, and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Smith was taken into custody Wednesday following a manhunt near the Columbus-Brunswick county line.

Authorities allege Smith fled a morning traffic stop, crashed his car, and shot the pursuing deputy during a fight.