DUNN, N.C. (WNCN) — An off-duty Dunn police officer was honored on Sunday by the City of Dunn with a life saving award.
On Sept. 19, 2023, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call for a disturbance at an Exxon gas station on Ramsey Street in Linden, where a woman in distress asked the clerk to call 911.
While deputies were on their way, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office said Daniel Locklear became hostile towards the woman and began to assault her. Dunn Police Investigator Josh Elliott was off-duty inside the gas station and tried to intervene.
Deputies said Locklear drew a handgun and began firing as he ran out of the gas station, and a bullet struck Elliott. Elliott returned fire, striking Locklear several times.
Elliott and Locklear were transported to the hospital for treatment.
Locklear was charged with:
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- Four counts of attempted murder
- Four counts of discharging a firearm into occupied property
- Assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury with intent to kill
- Second-degree kidnapping
- Felony possession of marijuana
- Possession of firearm by a convicted felon
- Assault on a female
“Investigator Elliott’s actions on the evening of this incident saved the life of a female victim, the store clerk inside of the business, and customers who were inside,” Dunn’s proclamation stated. “This heroic act displayed Investigator Elliott’s commitment to uphold the law enforcement oath of office whenever duty calls.”
The proclamation also stated that Elliott’s dedication to his career, years of training, and his calling to be a police officer and work in law enforcement gave him the ability to act and respond in this crisis situation in order to save lives and became a hero by doing so.
“[We] express our deepest gratitude and appreciation to Investigator Joshua Elliott for recognizing the severity of this situation and taking immediate action to save the lives in those of harm’s way,” said Mayor William Elmore Jr.