ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. (WTVD) — A man accused of robbing a bank and then exchanging gunfire with police officers is now facing federal charges.
The saga began Friday morning when a man went into First Citizens Bank on Wakelon Street in Zebulon with a letter claiming that his truck was rigged with an explosive.
The robber fled after a teller gave him $3,234, the Department of Justice said.
Hours later, police in Rocky Mount saw a semi-truck that matched the description from the robbery scene in a Hobby Lobby parking lot at 760 Sutters Creek Boulevard in Rocky Mount.
Images provided by law enforcement show Wille McGee Jr. exiting his truck with a rifle in Rocky Mount, and allegedly robbing a Zebulon bank.
Department of Justice
When police approached his white big rig, the man hopped out and started shooting with a Ruger AR 5.56 rifle, the DOJ said. Officers returned fire, striking the suspect, Willie McGee Jr., of Rocky Mount. Officers also found a handgun in McGee’s waistband.
Several items, including clothing inside the truck, were linked to the bank robbery, authorities said.
McGee was taken to a hospital and was expected to recover.
“When bad guys shoot at our law enforcement partners, we will aggressively pursue federal charges against them. Brave officers in Rocky Mount, and across the nation, regularly put their lives on the line to protect and serve,” said United States Attorney Ellis Boyle.
He is facing multiple federal charges, including discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and bank robbery.
“As alleged, this defendant didn’t just rob a bank – he threatened innocent civilians with explosives and then opened fire on police officers,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “That is not desperation, it is domestic terror. Thanks to the extraordinary courage and professionalism of our law enforcement partners, he is alive, in custody, and facing decades in federal prison.”
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison on the bank robbery charge and a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, on the discharging a firearm charge.
The investigation remains active. Anyone with further information about the alleged crimes is asked to please call the FBI at (704) 672-6100.
Stay on top of breaking news stories with the ABC11 News App
Copyright © 2025 WTVD-TV. All Rights Reserved.
