Topline: Federal authorities say the attack unfolded after the defendant was repeatedly released on bond, culminating in a violent ambush that left two deputies seriously wounded.
Published: January 14, 2026 2:22 pm ET
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Shawn Tobin Locklear Jr. (via U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of North Carolina)
NEW BERN, NC — A Maxton man who prosecutors say shot two Robeson County sheriff’s deputies and then ran them over with their own patrol car was sentenced to 45 years in federal prison, capping a violent sequence of crimes that unfolded while he was repeatedly released on bond
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Shawn Tobin Locklear Jr. was 20 years old at the time of the attack on Nov. 7, 2023. Federal prosecutors said Locklear pleaded guilty last year to using a firearm during a crime of violence and possessing a machine gun while selling drugs. A federal judge imposed the 45-year sentence for those offenses, the Justice Department announced.
According to federal authorities, Locklear’s criminal history escalated after a state court judge released him on bond in March 2022 following his arrest for armed robbery involving a firearm. Prosecutors said that while free on bond, Locklear was arrested again in November 2022 on murder and robbery charges, which also involved a gun. Despite those charges, a state court judge released him on bond again in May 2023, according to the Justice Department.
Prosecutors said Locklear allegedly committed additional crimes months later, including choking his sister during a domestic violence incident in September 2023 after accusing her of stealing one of his guns. When she called 911, authorities said Locklear cut off his ankle monitor and fled. During the investigation, officers seized marijuana, cocaine, crack cocaine and multiple firearms, including machine guns, from his vehicle, according to the Justice Department.
Two months later, Robeson County sheriff’s deputies located Locklear near Maxton. According to court records and body camera footage described by prosecutors, Locklear fled from his home into nearby woods as deputies attempted to arrest him. When two deputies encountered him on the other side, Locklear hid behind a tree and initially showed one hand as deputies ordered him to surrender.
“Suddenly, without warning,” prosecutors said, Locklear emerged from the opposite side of the tree with a gun and fired multiple shots, striking both deputies several times in the legs and abdomen. The wounded deputies crawled behind their patrol car for cover. As one deputy attempted to reload, Locklear ran to the vehicle, jumped into the driver’s seat and reversed, running over one deputy and nearly crushing both, according to the Justice Department.
During the exchange, deputies shot Locklear. Prosecutors said he then fled the scene, leaving the injured deputies bleeding on the ground. The deputies called for emergency medical help, but Locklear intercepted the ambulance responding to the scene, stopped it in the roadway and took it to drive himself to the hospital, authorities said. Other deputies rushed the wounded officers to the same hospital in a pickup truck, where Locklear was arrested.
U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle sharply criticized the series of bond decisions that allowed Locklear to remain free prior to the attack. “This demon should not have walked freely in our community after his first crimes in March 2022, and certainly not after the 2023 crimes,” Boyle said. “He is not fit for society, and our families don’t need to worry about him shooting more victims for the next 45 years.”
Boyle praised the deputies involved, saying, “We all owe a debt of gratitude to the brave, steadfast public servants who put their lives on the line to remove this scourge from our community.” He added, “Make no mistake, threats of violence and actual attacks on our law enforcement officers will not be tolerated in North Carolina, whether the weapon is a gun or a two-thousand-pound vehicle.”
Robeson County Sheriff Burnis Wilkins said the sentence brings accountability for the attack. “By the grace of God, the two deputies who were shot and ran over with a stolen patrol car survived, and we remain deeply grateful for their courage, resilience, and recovery,” Wilkins said. “This outcome sends a clear message that violence against those who serve and protect our communities daily will not be tolerated.”
One of those deputies, Jonathan Walters, has since returned to work on light-duty status after being medically cleared, according to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office.
Walters was welcomed back by colleagues more than a year after the shooting, the agency said.
“Jonathan has been through a lot over the last year and a half,” Wilkins said in a statement. “We are thrilled to see him back at work and will continue to stand by him as he works toward returning to full duty.”
Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said the case underscores the risks faced by officers. “An attack on an officer is an attack on the community, and ATF will continue to deliver every resource we can to prevent this type of violence against our law enforcement partners,” Jones said.
The Robeson County District Attorney’s Office also praised the federal prosecution, calling it an example of strengthened cooperation between state and federal authorities. Locklear still faces pending state charges, including attempted murder and other offenses, in Robeson County, according to the Justice Department.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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Prosecutors: Maxton Man Shot Deputies, Stole Patrol Car and Ran Them Over
Federal authorities say the attack unfolded after the defendant was repeatedly released on bond, culminating in a violent ambush that left two deputies seriously wounded.
By Jacob Charles
Published: January 14, 2026 2:22 pm ET
Shawn Tobin Locklear Jr. (via U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of North Carolina)
NEW BERN, NC — A Maxton man who prosecutors say shot two Robeson County sheriff’s deputies and then ran them over with their own patrol car was sentenced to 45 years in federal prison, capping a violent sequence of crimes that unfolded while he was repeatedly released on bond
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Shawn Tobin Locklear Jr. was 20 years old at the time of the attack on Nov. 7, 2023. Federal prosecutors said Locklear pleaded guilty last year to using a firearm during a crime of violence and possessing a machine gun while selling drugs. A federal judge imposed the 45-year sentence for those offenses, the Justice Department announced.
According to federal authorities, Locklear’s criminal history escalated after a state court judge released him on bond in March 2022 following his arrest for armed robbery involving a firearm. Prosecutors said that while free on bond, Locklear was arrested again in November 2022 on murder and robbery charges, which also involved a gun. Despite those charges, a state court judge released him on bond again in May 2023, according to the Justice Department.
Prosecutors said Locklear allegedly committed additional crimes months later, including choking his sister during a domestic violence incident in September 2023 after accusing her of stealing one of his guns. When she called 911, authorities said Locklear cut off his ankle monitor and fled. During the investigation, officers seized marijuana, cocaine, crack cocaine and multiple firearms, including machine guns, from his vehicle, according to the Justice Department.
Two months later, Robeson County sheriff’s deputies located Locklear near Maxton. According to court records and body camera footage described by prosecutors, Locklear fled from his home into nearby woods as deputies attempted to arrest him. When two deputies encountered him on the other side, Locklear hid behind a tree and initially showed one hand as deputies ordered him to surrender.
“Suddenly, without warning,” prosecutors said, Locklear emerged from the opposite side of the tree with a gun and fired multiple shots, striking both deputies several times in the legs and abdomen. The wounded deputies crawled behind their patrol car for cover. As one deputy attempted to reload, Locklear ran to the vehicle, jumped into the driver’s seat and reversed, running over one deputy and nearly crushing both, according to the Justice Department.
During the exchange, deputies shot Locklear. Prosecutors said he then fled the scene, leaving the injured deputies bleeding on the ground. The deputies called for emergency medical help, but Locklear intercepted the ambulance responding to the scene, stopped it in the roadway and took it to drive himself to the hospital, authorities said. Other deputies rushed the wounded officers to the same hospital in a pickup truck, where Locklear was arrested.
U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle sharply criticized the series of bond decisions that allowed Locklear to remain free prior to the attack. “This demon should not have walked freely in our community after his first crimes in March 2022, and certainly not after the 2023 crimes,” Boyle said. “He is not fit for society, and our families don’t need to worry about him shooting more victims for the next 45 years.”
Boyle praised the deputies involved, saying, “We all owe a debt of gratitude to the brave, steadfast public servants who put their lives on the line to remove this scourge from our community.” He added, “Make no mistake, threats of violence and actual attacks on our law enforcement officers will not be tolerated in North Carolina, whether the weapon is a gun or a two-thousand-pound vehicle.”
Robeson County Sheriff Burnis Wilkins said the sentence brings accountability for the attack. “By the grace of God, the two deputies who were shot and ran over with a stolen patrol car survived, and we remain deeply grateful for their courage, resilience, and recovery,” Wilkins said. “This outcome sends a clear message that violence against those who serve and protect our communities daily will not be tolerated.”
One of those deputies, Jonathan Walters, has since returned to work on light-duty status after being medically cleared, according to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office.
Walters was welcomed back by colleagues more than a year after the shooting, the agency said.
“Jonathan has been through a lot over the last year and a half,” Wilkins said in a statement. “We are thrilled to see him back at work and will continue to stand by him as he works toward returning to full duty.”
Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said the case underscores the risks faced by officers. “An attack on an officer is an attack on the community, and ATF will continue to deliver every resource we can to prevent this type of violence against our law enforcement partners,” Jones said.
The Robeson County District Attorney’s Office also praised the federal prosecution, calling it an example of strengthened cooperation between state and federal authorities. Locklear still faces pending state charges, including attempted murder and other offenses, in Robeson County, according to the Justice Department.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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Latest Articles
Prosecutors: Maxton Man Shot Deputies, Stole Patrol Car and Ran Them Over
Federal authorities say the attack unfolded after the defendant was repeatedly released on bond, culminating in a violent ambush that left two deputies seriously wounded.
By Jacob Charles
Published: January 14, 2026 2:22 pm ET
Shawn Tobin Locklear Jr. (via U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of North Carolina)
NEW BERN, NC — A Maxton man who prosecutors say shot two Robeson County sheriff’s deputies and then ran them over with their own patrol car was sentenced to 45 years in federal prison, capping a violent sequence of crimes that unfolded while he was repeatedly released on bond
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Shawn Tobin Locklear Jr. was 20 years old at the time of the attack on Nov. 7, 2023. Federal prosecutors said Locklear pleaded guilty last year to using a firearm during a crime of violence and possessing a machine gun while selling drugs. A federal judge imposed the 45-year sentence for those offenses, the Justice Department announced.
According to federal authorities, Locklear’s criminal history escalated after a state court judge released him on bond in March 2022 following his arrest for armed robbery involving a firearm. Prosecutors said that while free on bond, Locklear was arrested again in November 2022 on murder and robbery charges, which also involved a gun. Despite those charges, a state court judge released him on bond again in May 2023, according to the Justice Department.
Prosecutors said Locklear allegedly committed additional crimes months later, including choking his sister during a domestic violence incident in September 2023 after accusing her of stealing one of his guns. When she called 911, authorities said Locklear cut off his ankle monitor and fled. During the investigation, officers seized marijuana, cocaine, crack cocaine and multiple firearms, including machine guns, from his vehicle, according to the Justice Department.
Two months later, Robeson County sheriff’s deputies located Locklear near Maxton. According to court records and body camera footage described by prosecutors, Locklear fled from his home into nearby woods as deputies attempted to arrest him. When two deputies encountered him on the other side, Locklear hid behind a tree and initially showed one hand as deputies ordered him to surrender.
“Suddenly, without warning,” prosecutors said, Locklear emerged from the opposite side of the tree with a gun and fired multiple shots, striking both deputies several times in the legs and abdomen. The wounded deputies crawled behind their patrol car for cover. As one deputy attempted to reload, Locklear ran to the vehicle, jumped into the driver’s seat and reversed, running over one deputy and nearly crushing both, according to the Justice Department.
During the exchange, deputies shot Locklear. Prosecutors said he then fled the scene, leaving the injured deputies bleeding on the ground. The deputies called for emergency medical help, but Locklear intercepted the ambulance responding to the scene, stopped it in the roadway and took it to drive himself to the hospital, authorities said. Other deputies rushed the wounded officers to the same hospital in a pickup truck, where Locklear was arrested.
U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle sharply criticized the series of bond decisions that allowed Locklear to remain free prior to the attack. “This demon should not have walked freely in our community after his first crimes in March 2022, and certainly not after the 2023 crimes,” Boyle said. “He is not fit for society, and our families don’t need to worry about him shooting more victims for the next 45 years.”
Boyle praised the deputies involved, saying, “We all owe a debt of gratitude to the brave, steadfast public servants who put their lives on the line to remove this scourge from our community.” He added, “Make no mistake, threats of violence and actual attacks on our law enforcement officers will not be tolerated in North Carolina, whether the weapon is a gun or a two-thousand-pound vehicle.”
Robeson County Sheriff Burnis Wilkins said the sentence brings accountability for the attack. “By the grace of God, the two deputies who were shot and ran over with a stolen patrol car survived, and we remain deeply grateful for their courage, resilience, and recovery,” Wilkins said. “This outcome sends a clear message that violence against those who serve and protect our communities daily will not be tolerated.”
One of those deputies, Jonathan Walters, has since returned to work on light-duty status after being medically cleared, according to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office.
Walters was welcomed back by colleagues more than a year after the shooting, the agency said.
“Jonathan has been through a lot over the last year and a half,” Wilkins said in a statement. “We are thrilled to see him back at work and will continue to stand by him as he works toward returning to full duty.”
Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said the case underscores the risks faced by officers. “An attack on an officer is an attack on the community, and ATF will continue to deliver every resource we can to prevent this type of violence against our law enforcement partners,” Jones said.
The Robeson County District Attorney’s Office also praised the federal prosecution, calling it an example of strengthened cooperation between state and federal authorities. Locklear still faces pending state charges, including attempted murder and other offenses, in Robeson County, according to the Justice Department.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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