Suspect accused of shooting deputies now faces federal carjacking charges, too

The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C.
Updated ·2 min read

Nov. 17—RALEIGH — A Robeson County murder suspect, accused of shooting two Robeson County Sheriff's deputies, now faces federal carjacking charges.

A criminal complaint filed today alleges that Shawn Tobin Locklear Jr., carjacked a vehicle with the intent to cause serious bodily injury.

If convicted, the 20-year-old Locklear faces up to 25 years in prison.

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 November 7 at a home on Old Red Springs Road outside Maxton after he disassembled his ankle monitor.

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," the release said. "Locklear was able to drive away with the patrol vehicle and fled the scene."

The incident was captured on the deputies' body cameras.

Previously, Locklear had made bond for a robbery committed in March of 2022 and was released in May of 2023 for the November 2022 first-degree murder charges. He was one of three arrested after a Red Springs man was found dead in a ditch on Nov. 29, 2022.

Locklear made bond for a robbery committed in March of 2022 and was released in May of 2023 for the November 2022 first-degree murder charges. Locklear was one of three arrested after a Red Springs man was found dead in a ditch on Nov. 29, 2022.

"The brave men and women of law enforcement put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe," U.S. Attorney Michael Easley said in a news release. "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 (Burnis) Wilkins and District Attorney Matt Scott to address violent crime in Robeson County," Easley said.

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.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Foxx is prosecuting the case.

"This is yet another example of the importance of working alongside our federal partners in such a way to bring violent offenders to justice," Robeson County Sheriff Wilkins said in the release. "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."