North Carolina repeat offender allegedly robs bank, fires at police officers

A North Carolina truck driver who’s a repeat offender has been federally charged after a financial institution theft and a shootout with regulation enforcement, authorities mentioned.

Willie Edward McGee Jr. is charged with financial institution theft and discharging a firearm in furtherance of against the law of violence. according to a complaint.

Authorities mentioned McGee entered a First Residents Financial institution in Zebulon, North Carolina, on December 26 and demanded cash from a teller, claiming to have C-4 explosives. The teller gave him $3,234, and McGee fled in a semi-truck, they mentioned.

Regulation enforcement officers from a number of businesses responded to an armed financial institution theft investigation that led to the arrest of Willie Edward McGee Jr. in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. (U.S. Legal professional, Japanese District of North Carolina)

Deputies with the Rocky Mount Police Division mentioned McGee’s truck was present in a Pastime Foyer parking zone after the primary theft.

Based on surveillance and officers on the scene, McGee allegedly exited the automobile armed with a Ruger AR-style 5.56 rifle and shot at officers.

Police returned hearth and struck McGee. No regulation enforcement officers or civilians have been injured. Whereas taking McGee into custody, officers discovered the AR rifle he allegedly used to shoot at officers and a handgun from his waistband.

No officers or members of the general public have been injured as police took the suspect safely into custody following a coordinated response in Rocky Mount. (U.S. Legal professional, Japanese District of North Carolina)

McGee, in response to knowledge reviewed by WRAL Newshas an extended legal historical past. Based on the native newspaper, the suspect has dozens of expenses courting again greater than twenty years.

WRAL reported he dedicated crimes in Duplin, Wake and Durham counties.

Federal and native regulation enforcement authorities have recovered weapons and proof following the arrest of a suspect accused of armed financial institution theft and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime. (U.S. Legal professional, Japanese District of North Carolina)

Deputy Legal professional Common Todd Blanche referred to as the incident “home terror.”

“As alleged, this defendant not solely robbed a financial institution – he threatened harmless civilians with explosives after which opened hearth on cops,” Blanche mentioned. “That is not desperation, it is home terror. Because of the extraordinary braveness and professionalism of our regulation enforcement companions, he’s alive, in custody and faces a long time in jail.”

“Let this function a warning: In the event you convey violence into our communities or goal the women and men who shield them, this Division of Justice will come down on you with the complete weight of the federal authorities and guarantee that you’re faraway from the streets for a really very long time.”

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The investigation stays lively. Anybody with extra details about the alleged crimes is requested to name the FBI at (704) 672-6100. Fox Information Digital has reached out to the U.S. Legal professional’s Workplace, Japanese District of North Carolina, for remark.