Man crashes stolen car in Ferguson, tries to carjack two more before arrest

FERGUSON, Mo. - A man faces felony charges after he crashed a stolen car in Ferguson earlier this week and attempted to carjack two more vehicles before his arrest, authorities say.

The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office has charged Dwayne Smith, 34, with vehicle hijacking, tampering with a motor vehicle and leaving the scene of an accident in connection with the case.

The charges stem from a series of events Tuesday that ultimately led to Smith's arrest near the First Baptist Church of Ferguson.

According to a probable cause statement obtained by FOX 2, Smith was "driving aggressively" in a stolen 2015 I8 BMW vehicle when he ran a red light and crashed into another vehicle near N. Florissant Road and Airport Road.

Investigators say Smith then fled from the scene of the crash and attempted to enter a nearby vehicle, though was unsuccessful.

After that, Smith allegedly ran to the First Baptist Church and opened the driver's door for another vehicle. One victim was inside, and Smith briefly fought with him before the victim pulled out a weapon and Smith ran away, per the probable cause statement.

Smith was arrested near the church, and authorities seized narcotics from the stolen BMW vehicle.

According to the probable cause statement, Smith had previously pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery and robbery felony cases in the state of Illinois. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Smith's charges in Ferguson on Sept. 2.