Highland Shooting Suspect Still On The Run

Local and federal investigators on June 11^th searched the home of a Monterey man, who has been on the run after he allegedly  shot multiple times at his longtime girlfriend last month.

Charles “Chuck” H. Smith, age 55, is facing multiple felony counts in connection with the shooting, including attempted murder and shooting into an occupied vehicle.

Highland County Sheriff Bob Kelly said investigators from his department and the U.S. Marshals Office executed a search warrant June 11^th at Smith’s home on Patuxent River Road, north of Monterey.

Despite the search, Smith’s whereabouts are still unknown, Kelly explained.

“We didn’t get him,” Kelly said, adding, “We did get some leads.”

Kelly said he was unable to discuss what evidence may have been seized from the home during the search.

The shooting, Kelly said, occurred around 9 a.m. on May 10^th after Smith argued with his girlfriend, who fled in her car, heading east on Route 250 from Monterey.

Kelly said Smith gave chase. The argument continued after the girlfriend stopped in the Crab Run area. There, Kelly alleges, Smith damaged her vehicle before firing multiple shots at her as she sat in her.

The girlfriend, who escaped injury, fled in her car and called 911 after arriving in an area that had cell phone service.

Kelly said Smith fled from the scene and a be on the lookout was shared regionally with other law enforcement officials.

U.S. Marshals joined the investigation several weeks ago and have been pursuing all leads along with Sheriff’s Office investigators, Kelly said.

Investigators are hoping Smith will soon end his running by surrendering to authorities, Kelly explained.

“He knows the net is closing in on him. He’s just making it tough for himself. If he turned himself in, it would be better for him,” Kelly said.

If you have any information on Smith’s whereabouts, you are asked to call the Highland County Sheriff’s Office at 540-468-2210.