A Robeson County man, Daniel Wayne Locklear, 41, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison with an additional two years for violating his supervised release after a domestic violence incident that led to the shooting of an off-duty Dunn Police Officer. Locklear pleaded guilty in April 2025 to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court records, on September 19, 2023, a woman entered an Exxon Gas Station in Linden seeking help and asking the clerk to call 911. Locklear followed her inside, confronted her, and displayed a firearm before dragging her toward the exit. An off-duty Dunn Police Officer attempted to intervene. During the altercation, Locklear shot at the officer while fleeing from the store. The officer returned fire and wounded Locklear. Once outside, Locklear fired multiple rounds into the gas station before leaving in his vehicle. The officer was struck in the leg but managed to prevent Locklear from taking the woman.
“The United States will not permit violent felons to attack innocent women and citizens with guns. God bless this Dunn police officer who put his own life at risk to stop this Big Shark Bad Boy mid-crime,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “Thankfully he has recovered from being shot in the leg. We all owe him a debt of gratitude for his courage. The Dunn Police Department is righteously proud of this hero, as are we all.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones stated: “An attack on an officer is an attack on the entire community. Violence against the brave men and women that work so hard to protect us cannot be tolerated, and ATF will continue to do everything possible to support our law enforcement colleagues.”
Cumberland County Sheriff Johnathan Morgan commented: “Domestic violence has widespread consequences that affect not only the victim but also their family, friends, communities, and workplaces. We are firmly against any form of violence in Cumberland County and stand united with the Department of Justice in addressing this issue. I commend the remarkable heroism of the off-duty officer who took swift action.”
Dunn Police Chief Cary Jackson recognized Officer Joshua Elliott’s actions during the incident: “On the evening of this incident, Officer Joshua Elliott’s actions saved the life of the female victim, the store clerk, and the customers inside the business. Officer Elliott’s dedication to his career, his years of training, and his calling to be a police officer — to ‘be alert and vigilant to enforce the criminal laws of this state’ — gave him the ability to act decisively in this crisis situation and save lives. By doing so, he became a hero. This heroic act demonstrates Officer Elliott’s steadfast commitment to the law enforcement oath of office, answering the call of duty without hesitation. We are thankful that justice has been served for the innocent victims, including Officer Elliott, who was directly involved in this incident.”
Locklear was barred from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions and being under federal supervision at the time of these events.
U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle announced sentencing after U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III imposed it. The investigation involved multiple agencies including local police departments and federal authorities; Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Foxx prosecuted.
