A Rocky Mount man was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon and for shooting at Rocky Mount Police Department officers who were attempting to apprehend him.
On November 8, 2023, Antonio Maurice Wilkins, Sr., 48, of Rocky Mount, pled guilty to the charge of possessing a firearm as a felon and for shooting at law enforcement officers. Wilkins was found to be in possession of a firearm on February 9, 2023, after a report of a stolen car was made to the RMPD.
When officers arrived at the scene, Wilkins resisted arrest and fled on foot through a parking lot. As one officer caught up to him, Wilkins pulled out a handgun and fired a shot at the officer, striking his service weapon and injuring the officer’s hip. Wilkins continued to fire as the officer retreated towards a dumpster. Meanwhile, another RMPD officer fired two shots at Wilkins, hitting him twice in the upper thigh and incapacitating him.
“Law enforcement officers are being shot in the line of duty far too often. We won’t stand by and watch it happen,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “This defendant fled law enforcement and tried to shoot an officer, but his bullet miraculously struck the officer’s service weapon. Too many officers are not so lucky. Prioritizing cases like these is the least we can do for those who risk their lives every day.”
Chief Hassell of the Rocky Mount Police Department added, “This case reminds us of the dangers our officers are faced with and how they place their lives on the line to serve our community and keep our streets safe. The quick actions of our officers allowed them to take a violent individual off our streets.”
The sentence was handed down by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II after a plea agreement was reached between Wilkins and the U.S. Attorney’s office. Wilkins will serve 15 years in federal prison, the statutory maximum, for possessing a firearm as a felon and for shooting at law enforcement officers. He still faces state charges related to the incident.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Phil Aubart prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Rocky Mount Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case serves as a prime example of the benefits of partnerships between law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Attorney’s office in making communities safer.
A copy of the press release can be found on the DOJ website, along with related court documents and information on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
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- Reidsville Man Gets 10 Years for Apartment Shooting Threat · North Carolina
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Key Facts
- State: North Carolina
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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