SMITHFIELD, PA — A man wanted on a first-degree murder charge was arrested without incident after police located a vehicle connected to a separate investigation.
Officers with the Smithfield Police Department responded to the West Street area on March 10, 2026, after investigators with the Southampton County Sheriff’s Office identified a suspect vehicle believed to be in the town.
The vehicle was connected to a series of vehicle larcenies and a shooting incident under investigation in Southampton County.
While on scene, Smithfield officers encountered Laron Williams, who was wanted by the Newport News Police Department on charges of first-degree murder.
Williams was taken into custody without incident.
Southampton County Sheriff’s Office deputies later responded to Smithfield and executed a search warrant at a residence in connection with their investigation.
Williams had previously been identified as a suspect in a Smithfield shooting that occurred on Jan. 13, 2026.
The Smithfield Police Department obtained additional charges against Williams including malicious wounding, felon in possession of a firearm, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and shooting within 1,000 feet of a school.
Williams is being held on charges from the Newport News Police Department, Southampton County Sheriff’s Office, Smithfield Police Department and Emporia Police Department.
