Rocky Mount, North Carolina – A 42-year-old truck driver is facing serious federal charges following a bank robbery in Zebulon that led to a shootout with Rocky Mount police, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Federal authorities say Willie Edward McGee Jr., of Rocky Mount, has been charged with bank robbery and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, offenses that could result in decades in prison if he is convicted.
Bank Robbery at First Citizens Bank
According to federal court documents, the robbery occurred at 11:38 a.m. Friday at First Citizens Bank in Zebulon. The branch is located near the busy U.S. 64 interchange with N.C. 96, an area with heavy traffic during midday hours.
Investigators allege that McGee entered the bank and threatened a teller, claiming he was carrying C-4 explosives. Fearing for safety, the teller handed over $3,234 in cash, after which the suspect fled the scene.
Authorities said McGee’s semi-truck was parked near a Little Caesars restaurant in a nearby shopping center, helping investigators quickly identify a possible escape vehicle.
Evidence Recovered From Semi-Truck
Federal officials stated that multiple items worn or used during the robbery were later recovered from McGee’s truck. Due to the threat involving explosives, bomb technicians were dispatched to the scene.
Teams from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation secured the truck and confirmed that no explosive devices were present, according to the complaint.
Shootout With Rocky Mount Police
After the robbery, McGee allegedly encountered Rocky Mount police officers, where a shootout occurred. Authorities say McGee discharged a firearm, escalating the incident into a violent confrontation with law enforcement.
No officer fatalities were reported, though officials emphasized the extreme danger posed during the encounter.
Federal and State Charges Filed
A U.S. magistrate judge signed a federal complaint on Saturday charging McGee with:
- Bank robbery, carrying a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison
- Discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, to be served consecutively
In addition to the federal case, McGee will also face state charges in Rocky Mount, including:
- Two counts of attempted murder
- Two counts of assault on a law enforcement officer with a firearm
- One count of discharging a weapon to incite fear
Authorities stressed that a criminal complaint is an allegation, and McGee is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Statement From U.S. Attorney
U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle emphasized the federal government’s stance on violent crimes against police officers.
“When bad guys shoot at our law enforcement partners, we will aggressively pursue federal charges against them,” Boyle said. He added that officers in Rocky Mount and across the country “regularly put their lives on the line to protect and serve.”
Boyle also stated that prosecutors intend to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the suspect robbed a bank and fired a weapon during that crime of violence.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation remains active and involves multiple agencies, including:
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
- North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation
- Zebulon Police Department
- Rocky Mount Police Department
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aria Merle, Charles Loeser, and Tyler Lemons are prosecuting the federal case.
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the FBI at 704-672-6100.
Conclusion
Federal prosecutors say the case highlights the serious consequences of violent crimes involving firearms, particularly when law enforcement officers are targeted. As the legal process moves forward, both federal and state courts will determine McGee’s responsibility for the alleged robbery and shootout.
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