North Carolina police chief blasts low bond for suspect accused of shooting at law enforcement during standoff

ROANOKE RAPIDS, N.C. (WNCN) — Bond was increased Friday after the Roanoke Rapids police chief blasted low bonds following a two-hour standoff in which several gunshots were fired at deputies and police in Halifax County earlier this week.

The incident began around 8:30 p.m. when deputies tried to execute a search warrant for guns related to several Weldon-area shootings at a home in the 1000 block of Elm St. in Weldon, according to a news release from the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office.

While deputies were trying to get inside, gunshots were fired from inside, causing deputies to “take cover,” the release said. More gunshots were fired later when officials were communicating with people inside the house, officials said.

Police revealed Thursday that a female “shielded” the suspect during the gunfire coming from the house — which kept officers from returning fire.

Eventually, Umel Motic Jackson, 18, of Weldon, walked out the front door — and was “shielded” yet again by a female, deputies said.

He was charged with six counts of attempted murder, six counts of assault with a deadly weapon and four counts of assault on a law enforcement officer with a firearm, officials said.

Later Thursday, Jackson’s bond was set at $300,000 which triggered a lengthy social media post from Shane Guyant, the police chief of the Roanoke Rapids Police Department.

Guyant criticized low bonds and called the suspect a “menace to society” who used an “assault rifle” to shoot at law enforcement Monday night.

“I constantly feel victim disgust with the system,” Guyant wrote, admitting police are sometimes at fault. “But, today law enforcement was let down by this same system that we are supposed to be a part of. I have come to the realization that our lives mean absolutely nothing to this system.”

The police chief then questioned why officers do their jobs.

“These officers have families and come to work every day to protect you. The good citizens of Halifax County and the municipalities have unbelievable men and women risking their lives for you,” Guyant wrote.

“Why do we do this job? Today, I honestly do not know the answer to that question. I have no idea where the blame is here. I have always stood by the premise that bonds were intended to ensure a person’s attendance in court,” he wrote, then noting the lives of law enforcement must be meaningless if bonds are set so low.

“We are a joke to those within this system. We protect and we give. We put our lives on the line, and for what? For what?” the chief asked.

“I hope law enforcement in this county sees how valued we really are. For this reason alone I do not care whose toes I step on. Accountability is accountability. I will stand up for my officers regardless of what happens to me. And yes, this is the best forum to express our disappointment. The system may not love you men and women that wear the badge but I sure do. I am willing to fall on the sword if I have to for you. You deserve better!” Guyant ended, noting the social media post might be his last ever.

Later, the Scotland Neck Police Department shared the social media post by Guyant.

“Chief Shane Guyant, we stand with you. We all must work together and find a solution now,” Scotland Neck police said.

Then, Friday afternoon, the police chief said Judge Vershenia Johnson increased Jackson’s bond to $360,000.

“Judge Johnson did not have to modify this bond but decided to do so after a request by Assistant District Attorney Keith Warner. We thank her for modifying this bond,” Guyant wrote.

Guyant said that during Jackson’s bond hearing Thursday, the assistant district attorney in court did not provide Judge Johnson any details about the incident, nor did the ADA object to the bond.

“Without this information, it is fair to see why her bond decision was presented. Judge Johnson has righted that wrong today,” Guyant said.

“We hope that this bond prevents Jackson from causing any further chaos in our city. He is where he needs to be,” he added.

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