SMITHFIELD – A routine traffic stop turned into a confrontation between the driver and several police officers. Around 12:25pm Wednesday, Dec. 18, a Smithfield police officer stopped a motorist on North Street near N. Brightleaf Boulevard for having an expired license plate on a 1998 Nissan.
Police said the driver and two passengers were extremely nervous. During the stop, the driver, identified as Daniel Leigh Barefoot, age 41, of NC 96 South, Benson alleged kicked an officer. While being placed in handcuffs for the assault Barefoot reportedly grabbed a second officer’s hand and attempted to bend their fingers back. Barefoot was eventually detained.
A police K-9 alerted on the Nissan and during a search a small amount of suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia was reportedly found under the driver’s seat…