Robeson County Deputy Kaelin Locklear is recovering at home after being shot multiple times while serving a warrant on a murder suspect. Locklear was one of two deputies shot in the line of duty on Tuesday.
"One of our heroes has been released from the hospital today. The Deputy KaelinLocklear," Robeson County Sheriff Burnis Wilkins said.
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Locklear, who was shot multiple times while serving a warrant on a murder suspect, is alive and recovering. He says it meant the world to him to have the support of his community and fellow deputies.
"It just means a lot to me, that's about all. My brothers at work they all supported me. When I came home they were all waiting here for me when I got here. I got to talk to them for a while." Locklear said.
However he says he is still in pain.
According to Deputy Locklear's father his son is recovering from being shot in the leg, in the arm and just 7 millimeters from his heart.
"I'm supposed to be starting PT next week or the week after," Locklear said. "And we'll go from there."
But all the physical therapy cannot erase the trauma of that took place when Locklear and his fellow deputy, Jonathan Walters, were shot while serving a warrant on murder suspect Shawn Locklear Jr. (Shawn Locklear Jr. has no relation to Deputy Kaelin Locklear.)
The suspect was out on bond while having murder and robbery charges.
"He should have never got out. I don't understand how they keep getting out but they do," Locklear said. "I know that's part of the job, going after people and the possibility of getting shot, but I just never expected it to be the way it was."
Robeson County Sheriff Wilkins provided a statement on his Facebook page, saying while fault can be found in multiple branches of government, there is more that can be done.
"I have spoken with both state and federal legislators over the last couple of days and plan to meet with them on this matter. I also plan to ask for a meeting soon with District Attorney Matt Scott, Chief District Court Judge Angelica McIntyre, Resident Superior Court Judge Greg Bell, and Pre-trial officials to discuss and clarify issues within the system, to include my agency," Wilkins said on Facebook.
During the incident, Shawn Tobin Locklear Jr., sustained gunshot wounds and is currently in critical condition at the hospital.
Even though Deputy Locklear has experienced terrifying moments on the job, he is still alive and well, able to see another day.
"All the people that did support me, I do appreciate it," Locklear said.
The shooting happened around 9:30 a.m. at Lois Ann Drive in Maxton
The shooting happened around 9:30 a.m. at Lois Ann Drive in Maxton, where deputies attempted to serve a warrant on 20-year-old, Shawn Locklear Jr. Upon arrival, deputies say Locklear Jr. ran into a wooded area. During the pursuit, additional deputies arrived and attempted to apprehend the suspect in the 1100 block of Old Red Springs Road.
When deputies encountered Locklear in the woods, multiple shots were fired at them and two deputies were hit by gunfire. The suspect then entered a deputy's patrol vehicle and drove away from the scene, deputies said. While Locklear was driving away, a deputy was run over by the patrol vehicle. During the encounter, the deputies returned gunfire and Locklear was shot multiple times.
The sheriff’s office said Locklear was out on bond for a 2022 murder charge. According to the sheriff’s office, Locklear had cut off his ankle monitor, prompting the warrant.