Robeson County felon, Daniel Wayne Locklear, age 41, has been handed down a 17-year prison sentence—the maximum prison time—for the assault and shooting of an off-duty Dunn Police Officer, as well as violating his federal supervised release. In April, Locklear pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The incident, which escalated from a domestic violence assault, took place in September 2023.
U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle underscored the gravity of the crime, stating, "The United States will not permit violent felons to attack innocent women and citizens with guns." In reference to the shot officer's bravery, Boyle continued, "God bless this Dunn police officer who put his own life at risk to stop this Big Shark Bad Boy mid-crime." This statement was obtained by the Department U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of North Carolina, marking a clear repudiation of the violence perpetrated. The officer, wounded in the leg during the confrontation, was commended for his actions which ended to quickly prevent Locklear from absconding with the victim.
Details of the incident reveal a scene of chaos and courage at an Exxon Gas Station in Linden, where the drama unfolded. A woman ran into the station seeking help, followed by Locklear, who began verbally assaulting her. The altercation took a dangerous turn as Locklear brandished a gun, shoved aside an intervening clerk, and tried to drag the woman out of the store. The off-duty officer inside attempted to defuse the situation before being shot at by Locklear, who then managed to escape while firing additional rounds into the establishment. Despite the injury, the officer successfully foiled Locklear's attempt to leave with the woman.
"An attack on an officer is an attack on the entire community," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones, highlighting the broad implications of Locklear's actions. This sentiment aligns with Cumberland County Sheriff Johnathan Morgan's position as he expressed firm opposition to violence and commended the off-duty officer's swift intervention. Officer Joshua Elliott's preparedness and dedication were decisively crucial in preventing further harm, as Dunn Police Chief Cary Jackson noted, affirming the officer's heroism. Jackson told the U.S. Attorney's Office, "This heroic act demonstrates Officer Elliott’s steadfast commitment to the law enforcement oath of office, answering the call of duty without hesitation."
The law's reach extended beyond the immediate capture of Locklear, as it later emerged that he was a felon legally barred from possessing firearms. However, upon locating his vehicle, authorities discovered a loaded 9mm gun with a high-capacity magazine within arm's reach. The case was investigated by multiple agencies, including the Dunn Police Department, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Foxx leading the prosecution. Sentencing was pronounced by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III, according to U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle's announcement on the Department of Justice's website.
