RALEIGH, N.C. – A Robeson County man is facing a long stretch behind bars after a brazen attack on an off-duty police officer during a domestic violence incident. Daniel Wayne Locklear, 41, was sentenced to 15 years in prison, plus an additional two years for violating his federal supervised release. He pled guilty in April 2025 to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The September 19, 2023, incident unfolded at the Exxon Gas Station in Linden when a woman fled inside, desperately seeking help from the clerk and requesting a 911 call. Locklear quickly followed, immediately confronting the woman and escalating into a violent struggle. Witnesses say Locklear flashed a gun and physically forced the woman toward the exit. That’s when an off-duty Dunn Police Officer, present at the gas station, intervened.
Locklear didn’t hesitate. He drew his firearm and opened fire on the officer as he attempted to stop the abduction. The officer, despite being shot in the upper leg, managed to prevent Locklear from forcibly removing the woman. Locklear then unleashed a barrage of 15 rounds into the gas station before fleeing in his vehicle. The officer, showing incredible bravery, returned fire, striking Locklear in the forearm and abdomen.
“The United States will not permit violent felons to attack innocent women and citizens with guns,” declared U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “God bless this Dunn police officer who put his own life at risk to stop this Big Shark Bad Boy mid-crime. Thankfully he has recovered from being shot in the leg. We all owe him a debt of gratitude for his courage.”
Authorities located Locklear’s vehicle and recovered a loaded 9mm firearm with a high-capacity 30-round magazine nearby. As a convicted felon already under federal supervision, Locklear was legally prohibited from possessing any firearms or ammunition. The investigation was a joint effort by the Dunn Police Department, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones stated, “An attack on an officer is an attack on the entire community.”
Dunn Police Chief Cary Jackson hailed Officer Joshua Elliott as a hero, emphasizing his dedication and training that allowed him to act decisively and save lives. Cumberland County Sheriff Johnathan Morgan condemned the violence, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of domestic abuse. U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III handed down the sentence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Foxx prosecuted the case. Court documents are available on the U.S. District Court website for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
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Key Facts
- State: North Carolina
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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