Red Springs, NC – A 36-year-old North Carolina man with a history of violent crimes has been arrested after allegedly shooting a 74-year-old woman to death following the theft of an ambulance, authorities said.
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as Cheyenne Woods, who now faces multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder.
Ambulance Theft Leads to Tragic Shooting
According to police reports, the incident unfolded on Saturday afternoon on Chavis Road in Red Springs, North Carolina. Woods reportedly called emergency services to a location he provided. When EMS personnel arrived and assisted him into the ambulance, Woods allegedly pulled a gun on the first responders and stole the vehicle.
While driving the ambulance, authorities said Woods collided with a car driven by Marie Locklear, 74, before allegedly shooting her and fleeing the scene. Locklear was transported to a local hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
Suspect Apprehended Near the Scene
Woods was apprehended by police near the scene of the fatal shooting, according to a media release from the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Burnis Wilkins described the crime as a “senseless act of murder committed by a repeat violent felon whose criminal history includes a prior murder conviction.”
“He demonstrated time and again a complete disregard for human life and the rule of law,” Wilkins added.
Criminal History of the Suspect
Authorities detailed Woods’ criminal past, which includes a 2017 conviction for second-degree murder stemming from a 2010 shooting. He was sentenced to 13 years in prison but served only five years, being released in 2022.
Earlier, Woods was suspected in a 2008 murder but was instead convicted of robbery with a deadly weapon in connection with that case, serving time from 2012 to 2016.
Multiple Felony Charges Filed
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Woods is facing numerous charges, including:
- 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
Additional charges added on Sunday include:
- Another count of robbery with a dangerous weapon
- Assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill
- Malicious conduct of a prisoner by throwing, emitting, or projecting bodily fluids
- Second-degree kidnapping
Current Status
Woods is currently being held at the Robeson County Detention Center without bond. He was scheduled to appear in court on Monday. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and the actions leading up to the ambulance theft and fatal shooting.
The tragic event has shocked the local community and prompted renewed discussions on public safety, repeat offenders, and emergency response protocols in Robeson County.
Do you think stronger measures are needed to prevent repeat violent offenders from committing crimes again? Share your thoughts and concerns about this tragic incident in the comments below.
