The Robeson County murder suspect accused of shooting two Robeson County Sheriff’s deputies now faces federal carjacking charges.
A criminal complaint filed today (Nov. 17) alleges that Shawn Tobin Locklear, Jr., carjacked a patrol vehicle with the intent to cause serious bodily injury. If convicted, Locklear faces up to 25 years in prison.
“The brave men and women of law enforcement put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “Our office will bring swift prosecution against individuals who intentionally try to bring harm to those who have taken an oath to protect their communities. We are proud to partner with Sheriff Wilkins and District Attorney Matt Scott to address violent crime in Robeson County.”
“This is yet another example of the importance of working alongside our federal partners in such a way to bring violent offenders to justice,” says Robeson County Sheriff Burnis Wilkins. “The criminal complaint filed today by the U. S. Attorney’s Office is the first step in ensuring that this suspect is held accountable for his violent actions that have plagued this county for years.”
According to the complaint, Locklear is alleged to have shot and injured two Robeson County Sheriff’s deputies who were attempting to serve an arrest warrant on him. After being struck by gunfire, both deputies took cover behind their patrol car.
Locklear is then alleged to have entered the driver’s side of the patrol car and put the car into reverse as one deputy was on the ground behind the patrol vehicle. The deputy was able to push himself partially out of the way before Locklear reversed over his leg with the car. Locklear was able to drive away with the patrol vehicle and fled the scene. The incident was captured on the deputies’ body cameras.
The case has come under scrutiny because Locklear, a convicted violent felon, was on pre-trial release for a murder charge. He allegedly cut off his ankle monitor, which led to the incident with deputies. Locklear was involved in a shootout with other deputies moments before he was confronted by the two who were injured.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Foxx is prosecuting the case.
