A Rocky Mount resident is now federally charged after allegedly firing at a Nash County deputy. Montrel Devon Ingram, 36, has been accused of being a felon in unlawful possession of a firearm, following a tense encounter with law enforcement during a recent traffic stop, as disclosed in a statement by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Daniel P. Bubar, vowed to "act swiftly and relentlessly to investigate anyone who threatens our law enforcement officers and violates federal law." His promise stands testament to a stringent approach taken against those accused of targeting police forces. Ingram, who made his initial court appearance on Tuesday, demonstrates the federal resolve to quickly bring alleged offenders to justice, as per the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The incident, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office, unraveled during a traffic stop when Ingram, a passenger in the vehicle, tried to flee. A Nash County Sheriff's deputy chased Ingram, who during the chase reportedly reached into his waistband, fired a weapon, and attempted to discard it before being apprehended.
"Keeping dangerous individuals and illegal firearms off our streets is critical to protecting our neighborhoods," Nash County Sheriff Keith Stone asserted, emphasizing the community safety imperative. The cooperative effort to swiftly capture Ingram and recover the weapon involved both local deputies and NC State Highway Patrol troopers. The jammed firearm, containing five rounds, was subsequently found tossed in a nearby yard, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
If convicted of the federal charge against him, Ingram could face up to 15 years in prison. The combined efforts of various agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, underlined the multi-agency collaboration vital to such investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phil Aubart will lead the prosecution.
