WILMINGTON, N.C. – A hail of bullets nearly took down a Rocky Mount officer, but a lucky strike to the cop’s weapon – not the officer himself – landed 48-year-old Antonio Maurice Wilkins, Sr. a 15-year federal sentence. Wilkins was sentenced today to 180 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and for brazenly opening fire on Rocky Mount Police Department (RMPD) officers attempting his arrest.
The November 8th guilty plea barely scratches the surface of the chaos. Court documents detail how RMPD responded to a report of a stolen vehicle on February 9th, 2023, quickly identifying Wilkins as the driver. When officers located the car and attempted to apprehend him, Wilkins didn’t hesitate to run. The foot chase ended with Wilkins pulling a handgun and firing a shot directly at an officer. The bullet miraculously impacted the officer’s service weapon, inflicting a hip injury. Wilkins continued firing as the officer retreated for cover.
“Law enforcement officers are being shot in the line of duty far too often,” thundered U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “We won’t stand by and watch it happen. As federal prosecutors, we’re partnering with local DA’s to put shooters on a fast track to federal prison, often even while state charges are still pending. This defendant fled law enforcement and tried to shoot an officer… 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.”
The standoff didn’t end there. Another RMPD officer returned fire, striking Wilkins twice in the upper thigh, effectively ending the chase. Despite the injuries, Wilkins still faces pending state charges related to the incident. Rocky Mount Police Chief Hassell emphasized the danger faced by his officers daily. “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,” he said. “The quick actions of our officers allowed them to take a violent individual off our streets.”
District Attorney Jeff Marsigli hailed the collaborative effort, stating, “This is a prime example of the benefits of our partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s office and law enforcement. We look forward to continuing to work with these agencies as we all strive to make our communities safer.” The investigation was a joint effort between RMPD and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phil Aubart prosecuted the case.
Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II handed down the sentence. For those seeking further details, a press release is available on the Department of Justice website, and related court documents can be found on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina website or via PACER (Case No. 4:23-CR-26-M-RN). This case serves as a stark reminder of the risks law enforcement faces and the swift justice that awaits those who target them.
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Key Facts
- State: North Carolina
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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