Lumberton Bank Heist: Pridgen & Robinson Face Life Behind Bars

LUMBERTON, NC – A pair of Whiteville men are facing lengthy federal prison sentences after being convicted of a violent bank robbery and subsequent shootout with police. DAQUAN MADRID PRIDGEN, 27, and DEMETRIS SEAN ROBINSON, 27, were found guilty following separate trials in Raleigh, bringing a close to a case that put both bank employees and law enforcement officers in the line of fire.

On January 23, 2018, the duo, along with two co-conspirators, stormed the PNC Bank in Lumberton, holding employees and a customer hostage while making off with over $40,000. The brazen daylight robbery quickly escalated into a dangerous pursuit when Lumberton Police Department and Robeson County Sheriff’s Department officers spotted the getaway vehicle. What followed was a high-speed chase that spanned two counties and turned deadly when ROBINSON began firing at the pursuing officers. He unleashed a barrage of bullets using a handgun, shotgun, and a high-powered rifle capable of firing armor-piercing rounds.

The chase ended with PRIDGEN, ROBINSON, and the other involved individuals fleeing on foot, but they were quickly apprehended by authorities. The disregard for human life displayed during the robbery and subsequent chase was particularly chilling, prompting a full federal investigation. Both men were charged with bank robbery, discharging a firearm in furtherance of a bank robbery, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. wasted no words in condemning the criminals’ actions. “We are pleased to finally conclude this series of cases with the conviction of all four individuals who robbed this Lumberton bank and who jeopardized the safety and lives of the employees and customers of the bank, as well as numerous law enforcement officers,” Higdon stated. “Our effort to Take Back North Carolina from violent criminals means we will take a strong stand on behalf of victims of these crimes and we will pursue tough sentences for those who perpetrate these crimes.”

Both PRIDGEN and ROBINSON now face a minimum of 20 years in prison and potentially life sentences, along with a fine of up to $750,000 and up to 5 years of supervised release. The case was a key component of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and local communities. It also fell under the umbrella of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina’s “Take Back North Carolina” initiative, focusing on sustained, regional prosecution of violent offenders.

The investigation was a joint effort involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Lumberton Police Department, Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, Columbus County Sheriff’s Office, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Bladen County Sheriff’s Office, Fayetteville Police Department, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Erin Blondel and Robbie Dodson successfully prosecuted the case for the government, securing convictions that send a clear message: violent crime will not be tolerated in Eastern North Carolina.