Marcus D. Wilkins Sentenced in Virginia Beach Cop Assault

A Virginia Beach man rammed a federal officer with his car, launching the cop onto the hood before fleeing the scene — now he’s headed to prison. Marcus D. Wilkins, 27, was sentenced today to 42 months in federal prison for assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon, closing a violent chapter that began in broad daylight at a military base shopping center.

The attack unfolded May 1 at the Navy Exchange inside Naval Air Station Oceana. Surveillance footage and court records show Wilkins loaded a shopping cart with unpaid merchandise and attempted to leave the store. When a loss prevention officer ordered him to stop, Wilkins abandoned the cart and walked toward his vehicle — but didn’t stop there.

As Wilkins neared his car, an officer with the base police identified himself, stood in front of the vehicle, and twice commanded Wilkins to halt. Instead, Wilkins started the engine and accelerated directly into the officer, striking him with enough force to lift the man off his feet, send him airborne across the hood, and slam him to the pavement.

With the injured officer down, Wilkins fled the parking lot at high speed. His escape didn’t last long. Minutes later, Virginia Beach Police Department officers apprehended him nearby, ending a brief but dangerous flight from justice.

Wilkins pleaded guilty on September 7, admitting to the assault and the use of his vehicle as a weapon. At sentencing, U.S. District Judge Mark S. Davis handed down the 42-month term, underscoring the severity of attacking law enforcement on federal property. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyssa K. Nichol.

Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Tim Quick, Special Agent in Charge of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Norfolk Field Office; and Virginia Beach Police Chief James A. Cervera confirmed the sentencing. Court documents, including Case No. 2:16-cr-84, are available via the U.S. Attorney’s Office and PACER.