Man Charged After Struggle for Officer's Gun

Goldsboro, N.C. — A Goldsboro man has been charged with attempted murder after trying to grab an officer's gun and firing two shots, police said.

Robert Edward Dukes, 30, of 1300 E. Ash St., is being held in the Wayne County Detention Center without bond.

Officer Chris Crawford arrested Dukes Tuesday night on outstanding warrants for assault inflicting serious injury, kidnapping, common law robbery and assault by strangulation, police said. As Dukes was being processed at a magistrate's office, Dukes assaulted Crawford, and they struggled over Crawford's gun, police said.

It was unclear whether Dukes was handcuffed at the time.

During the scuffle, Dukes fired two shots before Crawford and a Wayne County Sheriff’s Office detention officer were able to subdue him, police said. Nobody was wounded in the shooting, police said.

Both Dukes and Crawford were taken to Wayne Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

The State Bureau of Investigations is reviewing the incident.

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Regardless if it is family, I would still say the same thing about this person. You do the crime you should do the time. Quit candy coating the system and slapping them on the wrist and say dont do it again. He grabbed an officers gun, and fired two shots, he could have shot the deputy, and innocent bystanders, this makes him a threat. I dont respect anyone who has that kinda list of warrants. So what if he hasn't been convicted yet, if your a parent think of that nut kidnapping your children.

netstumbler
February 23, 2007 6:04 p.m.

Reposted comment from previous story:

I knew this guy when he lived in Raleigh. I was surprised to see him still alive. Another case of drugs taking over someone's life. What a waste. He was headed in the right direction, and then drugs changed that. What a big waste.

Greyt22
February 22, 2007 9:34 p.m.

this guy needs to be locked away now!! before he kills someone

normalthinking
February 22, 2007 4:58 p.m.

It's more than just "this guy". What about his family? They are not to blame. I am a parent myself and when my kids are wrong, they are wrong, I don't love them any less but I don't deserve to be punished for their reactions. At the same time, I would not want outsiders to base who my kids are by others negativity. I know these parents and feel for them and see the hurt by what people are saying. It is affecting them more than it is Mr. Dukes.

bubbles
February 22, 2007 3:57 p.m.

I agree with what you say, but unfortunately when a person puts themselves out there by doing something amazing (good)OR crazy (bad) they become the topic du jour... Most people never ask for their fifteen minutes of fame...it just jumps on us. But, if you do something stupid, like this guy, it pounces on you especially hard.

has had enough
February 22, 2007 3:40 p.m.