Red Springs, NC. – A violent chain of events unfolded Saturday afternoon in Robeson County after a man with a prior murder conviction allegedly hijacked an ambulance, caused a crash, and fatally shot a 74-year-old woman who got in his way, according to authorities.
Incident Overview
The suspect, Cheyenne Woods, 36, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and multiple other felonies following the death of Marie Locklear, 74. Investigators say the incident began when Woods called emergency services to a location on Chavis Road in Red Springs.
According to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, emergency medical services responded to the call and placed Woods inside an ambulance. Once inside, Woods allegedly pulled a firearm on EMS personnel, forcing them out and stealing the ambulance.
Ambulance Hijacking and Crash
Authorities said Woods drove off in the stolen ambulance and later crashed into a passenger vehicle being driven by Locklear. After the collision, Woods allegedly shot Locklear before fleeing the scene.
Emergency responders transported Locklear to a hospital, but she later succumbed to her injuries, officials confirmed.
Suspect Apprehended Near Scene
Woods was apprehended near the scene of the fatal shooting, according to a media release from the sheriff’s office. No additional injuries were reported among first responders.
Robeson County Sheriff Burnis Wilkins condemned the incident, calling it a “senseless act of murder committed by a repeat violent felon.”
“This individual has demonstrated time and again a complete disregard for human life and the rule of law,” Wilkins said, noting that Woods’ criminal history includes a prior murder conviction.
Extensive Criminal History
Authorities confirmed that Woods has a long and violent criminal record. In 2017, he was convicted of second-degree murder following a plea agreement related to a 2010 shooting. He received a 13-year prison sentence, but was released in 2022 after serving approximately five years.
Prior to that case, Woods was named as a suspect in a 2008 homicide, though he was ultimately charged with robbery with a deadly weapon instead. He was convicted in 2012 and released from prison in 2016.
Charges Filed Against Woods
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office initially charged Woods with the following offenses:
- First-degree murder
- Robbery with a dangerous weapon
- Possession of a firearm by a felon
- Possession of a stolen firearm
- Felony assault on EMS personnel
- Eight counts of discharging a firearm into occupied property
On Sunday, authorities added additional charges, including:
- Second count of robbery with a dangerous weapon
- Assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill
- Second-degree kidnapping
- Malicious conduct of a prisoner involving bodily fluids
Court Status
Woods is currently being held at the Robeson County Detention Center without bond. He was scheduled to make his first court appearance on Monday, officials said.
Community Impact and Safety Concerns
The incident has raised serious concerns about public safety, particularly regarding the risks faced by first responders and the broader community when dealing with repeat violent offenders. Local officials emphasized the danger of emergency calls being misused to ambush or harm medical personnel.
Conclusion
Authorities continue to investigate the full sequence of events leading up to the fatal shooting. Meanwhile, the community is mourning the loss of Marie Locklear, described by officials as an innocent victim caught in an act of extreme violence.
If you have thoughts on this case or concerns about public safety in your area, share your experiences in the comments below.
