The Greensboro Police Department has been dealing with a wide variety of serious cases in recent days – including two fatal crashes, a homicide arrest, a break-in at Smith High School involving an alleged homemade “plasma cannon,” and charges against a former Guilford County Schools assistant principal.
- Motorcyclist Dies After East Market Street Crash
A 22-year-old Greensboro man died after a motorcycle crash late Friday night, June 26.
Police responded just before 11 p.m. to the intersection of East Market Street and Gillespie Street, where investigators say a Suzuki GSX-R1000 motorcycle traveling east collided with a Cadillac CT6 in the intersection.
The motorcycle operator, Denium Donnell of Greensboro, was taken to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries. The Greensboro Police Department’s Crash Reconstruction Unit is continuing the investigation.
- Three-Year-Old Dies Following Interstate Crash
Greensboro police also announced that a 3-year-old child has died from injuries sustained in a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 73 North on June 26.
According to police reports, Annie Roberts, 31, of Tennessee, was driving a Honda Odyssey northbound near Mile Marker 98 at about 12:22 p.m. when the vehicle left the roadway and struck a sound barrier wall.
Roberts was wearing a seatbelt, and both of her children, ages 3 and 5, were properly secured in child restraint systems.
Roberts and the 5-year-old child suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Sadly, the 3-year-old child died the following day from injuries sustained in the crash.
Police believe driver fatigue was a contributing factor. Roberts has been charged with failing to maintain lane control and misdemeanor death by vehicle.
The Crash Reconstruction Unit is investigating.
- Two Charged In Greensboro Homicide
Greensboro homicide detectives have charged two people in connection with the death of Douglas Keith Petty.
Police charged Mark Donovan Ray Graham, 31, with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a felon, robbery with a dangerous weapon and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
Samantha Jean-Marie Panico, 40, has been charged with accessory after the fact to murder.
Both suspects were already being held in Randolph County on unrelated charges when they were served with the Guilford County warrants on July 2. They’re both being held without bond.
Petty’s body was found June 26 after detectives responded to a residence in the 1400 block of Dorsey Street to assist the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office with a report of suspicious activity. Petty had previously been reported missing.
Police are investigating the case as Greensboro’s 15th homicide of 2026.
- Three Charged After Smith High School Break-In
Three people face charges after an early Sunday morning break-in at Smith High School.
Officers responded shortly after 2 a.m. July 5 to the school at 2407 S. Holden Road, where they encountered three people on campus.
Police arrested Solomon Caravello-Bell, 18, and Chayce Harricharan, 18 – charging both with felony breaking and entering, explosives on educational property, possession of a weapon of mass destruction, malicious use of explosives damaging real property and felony conspiracy.
Police identified the alleged weapon of mass destruction as a homemade plasma cannon.
A juvenile was also detained before being released to a parent. Juvenile petitions will be filed.
GPD warned that homemade plasma cannons – which have gained attention through online videos – can cause serious injuries and property damage and urged the public not to build or use such devices.
The investigation remains ongoing.
- Former Hairston Middle School Assistant Principal Charged
Greensboro police have also charged a former assistant principal at Hairston Middle School with discharging a firearm on educational property.
Charlie Wardell Smith, 54, was charged by criminal summons in connection with an incident on May 25 at the school on Naco Road.
According to Greensboro police, Smith told investigators he went to the school after receiving notification that an alarm had been activated. He said he canceled the police response because he was nearby.
Smith told investigators he encountered an intruder inside the school who fled outside. He said he fired a single shot into the air away from the suspect in an effort to scare the individual.
Police said no students or school employees were on campus at the time.
Smith has since resigned from his position with Guilford County Schools.
