Lawrenceville man jailed following assault at Smithgall Woods State Park

A Lawrenceville man remains in the White County Jail following a weekend criminal incident at Smithgall Woods State Park in White County.

 

White County Sheriff's Capt. Clay Hammond said on Saturday, Sept. 25 deputies were called to a cabin on Dukes Hollow Road inside the park to investigate a reported assault. 

 

When they arrived, a woman told deputies that she was assaulted outside of a cabin where she was staying with a group of people. She said the suspect, later identified as Austin Blake Smith, 24, was armed. The victim told deputies she managed to escape.

 

Later, Smith apparently stole a vehicle belonging to a member of the group. 

 

Hammond said deputies were able to track Smith a short distance from the crime scene to an area of Alternate Highway 75 and Asbestos Road. 
 

As a result of the investigation, Smith was charged with criminal attempt to commit home invasion, four counts of aggravated assault, criminal damage to property in the second degree, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, interference with government property, and motor vehicle theft.