Edgecombe man shaken up after assumed traffic stop turns into attempted armed robbery

Wiley Staton said he pulled over for an unmarked car after it sped in front of him.

Staton, a truck driver, said when he stopped, a man jumped out of the car, pointed a gun at him and then tried to rob him. Edgecombe County's law enforcement and citizens are sharing a common worry after the news surfaced.

Staton said in the blink of an eye, what he thought was a normal traffic stop in Edgecombe County turned into a life-threatening situation.

For now, he’s grateful he made it out alright and hoping the real authorities can punish those responsible.

Staton lives near Pinetops in Edgecombe County. He said he was driving his semi-truck Tuesday morning at the intersection of Wood Duck Road and Davistown-Mercer Lane.

That's when a black Dodge Charger with tinted windows pulled in front of him with blue lights flashing in their dashboard.

"Pulled over by fake law enforcement vehicle," Staton said. "When you’re an honest citizen, an unmarked car with a blue light, you feel like it’s a law enforcement officer. Had no idea it would be somebody trying to get a quick buck."

Staton said he opened his door to speak with the officer who pulled him over. But that's not what happened.

"A gentleman jumped out from the passenger’s side, threw a gun across the hood and demanded money," Staton said.

Staton said he came face-to-face with a black revolver. He ducked down into the cab of the truck and the man ran back to the car and sped off.

Staton said the Charger didn't appear to have a license plate.

"It’s kind of crazy," Staton said. "You hear about stuff like this happening but you never think it’s going to happen to you."

The Edgecombe Sheriff says his office is investigating, searching for two men and a dark colored Charger with tinted windows and custom rims.

"It is a serious issue that we take very seriously," said Edgecombe Sheriff Clee Atkinson. "And we want to catch these guys, because this is not a good look in any community."

It's a serious concern for law enforcement after an encounter that could have ended much differently.

"I kind of feel like what I’d done was subconscious," Staton said. "Just to kind of divert myself back in the truck. But what I did worked, because I’m standing here talking today."

Atkinston said a similar situation was reported in the county back in 2019. He said anyone who doesn't feel safe while being pulled over should slow down and call their non-emergency line at (252) 641-7911.