Ten’s Most Wanted; Catherine Hardy: UPDATE

Authorities captured Catherine Hardy on Tuesday, February 12, 2008.  U.S. Marshals, using tips from WSLS viewers and “good old fashioned police work,“ tracked her down in North Carolina.  Authorities say she had been using a new name and had a new ID card.

Roanoke Police say she will be charged with malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, and possession of a stun gun as a convicted felon. 

Roanoke Detective David Underwood stands in front of a house on Staunton Avenue in Roanoke.  He’s describing a crime scene from last spring.  “On April the 29th 2007 we responded to a call somewhere around 3:30 in the afternoon, call in reference to shots fired subject down…”

Police say two women were arguing.  Then they say 28-year-old Catherine Hardy attacked Marijo Smith of Botetourt County as she sat in a car in front of the house.

Underwood: “Catherine Hardy ends up busting the windshield with a bottle she has in her hand and ends up using a stun gun and stuns the victim in the car while she sits in the driver’s side of the car.”  Carlin: “A stun gun?”  Underwood: “A stun gun.”

Then it gets worse.  Police evidence pictures show that Hardy fired two rounds into the car with a hand gun.  The bullet holes in the passenger window, clearly visible.  One bullet was collected from the floor.  The other lodged in Smith’s side.  Smith had tried to save herself, but too late.

Underwood: “At that point the victim rolls up the window and calls 911on her cell phone, and while she’s talking to dispatch the suspect walks around to the passenger side of the car, takes out a hand gun and fires two rounds into the passenger window, one of which struck the victim under her right arm.”

Detective Underwood shows me the yard across the street, where Smith collapsed as she tried to leave the area.  She survived the attack after a short hospital stay.

Meanwhile, Hardy escaped. “She left the scene in a rental car from North Carolina. We’ve been looking for her ever since.  She’s got family members here in the valley and in North Carolina,” he said.

Police are looking for any information leading to the arrest of Hardy. The Number of the U.S. Marshals is (540) 857-2230.  Roanoke City Police can be reached at (540) 853-2211.