On November 5th, 2011 at approximately 2:46 am, officers from DeFuniak Springs Police responded to a carjacking at Arbour’s Apartments located at 214 Shoemaker Drive.
The victim reported that a person known to him as “AJ” requested to use his vehicle. When he denied him use of the vehicle, the suspect pulled what was believed to be a handgun from his back pocket and pressed it to his head and demanded the keys. The victim once again denied him, which lead to “AJ” striking the victim, taking the keys and departing the area with the vehicle.
Police began the search for the vehicle and suspect. The vehicle and suspect were later found at a local restaurant within the city limits.
During the investigation the suspect known as “AJ” gave false information to police trying to conceal his identity. The suspect was later identified as Jeffery Randez Smith of DeFuniak Springs.
Smith was transported to the Walton County Corrections Facility where he was held on charges of Carjacking with a Firearm or Deadly Weapon and Battery.
Lieutenant Tilman Mears
Special Operations Division Commander
mearstf@defuniakspringspolice.net