Federal authorities have announced charges against Willie Edward McGee Jr. for his involvement in a bank robbery and subsequent shooting incident. This alarming event unfolded in Zebulon and Rocky Mount, North Carolina, drawing attention from various law enforcement officials.
Zebulon Bank Heist Details
On Friday, at the First Citizens Bank located on Wakelon Street in Zebulon, McGee allegedly handed a note to a bank employee. In the note, he claimed to possess an explosive device in his semi-truck. Following the robbery, he fled with $3,234 in cash.
Chase and Shooting Incident
Authorities tracked McGee to a Hobby Lobby parking lot on Sutters Creek Boulevard in Rocky Mount. As police officers approached, he emerged from the truck armed with a Ruger AR 5.56 rifle and opened fire. Rocky Mount officers responded by returning fire, striking McGee.
Charges Filed
- Robbery
- Discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
After his arrest, a handgun was discovered in McGee’s waistband. He was transported to the hospital and is currently reported to be in “stable” condition. Fortunately, there were no injuries to officers or bystanders during this chaotic confrontation.
Previous Legal Issues
Prior to this incident, McGee was already facing serious charges, including robbery, attempted murder, and assault on law enforcement officers. The State Bureau of Investigation conducted a search of his truck but found no explosives.
Potential Consequences
If convicted on the federal charges, McGee faces the possibility of spending up to 30 years in prison. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized the severity of the situation, labeling McGee’s actions as domestic terrorism.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces when dealing with violent crime and firearm-related incidents. El-Balad will continue to monitor this developing story for updates.
