Robeson County man accused of shooting 2 deputies faces federal charges for carjacking
A Robeson County murder suspect accused of shooting two Robeson County Sheriff’s deputies now faces federal carjacking charges.
Shawn Tobin Locklear Jr. carjacked a vehicle with the intent to cause serious bodily injury, according to a criminal complaint filed on Friday. Robeson County Sheriff Burnis Wilkins said Locklear stole a deputy's vehicle and backed over one of his deputies when trying to evade custody.
If convicted, Locklear faces up to 25 years in prison. Wilkins said Locklear was out on bond.
“The brave men and women of law enforcement put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “Our office will bring swift prosecution against individuals who intentionally try to bring harm to those who have taken an oath to protect their communities. We are proud to partner with Sheriff Wilkins and District Attorney Matt Scott to address violent crime in Robeson County.”
Locklear made bond for a robbery committed in March of 2022 and was released in May of 2023 for the November 2022 first-degree murder charges. Locklear was one of three arrested after a Red Springs man was found dead in a ditch on Nov. 29, 2022.
“This is yet another example of the importance of working alongside our federal partners in such a way to bring violent offenders to justice,” said Wilkins. “The criminal complaint filed today by the U. S. Attorney’s Office is the first step in ensuring that this suspect is held accountable for his violent actions that have plagued this county for years.”
Locklear is alleged to have shot and injured two Robeson County Sheriff’s deputies who were trying to serve an arrest warrant at a home on Old Red Springs Road outside Maxton after he disassembled his ankle monitor.
After being struck by gunfire, both deputies took cover behind their patrol car. Locklear is then alleged to have entered the driver’s side of the patrol car and put the car into reverse as Dep. Jonathan Walters was located on the ground behind the vehicle. Walters was able to partially get out of the way before Locklear drove in reverse over his leg.
Locklear drove away with the patrol vehicle. Deputies' body cameras captured the entire ordeal.
Another deputy, Kaelin Locklear (no relation to the suspect) was shot in the leg.
