Federal Charges Brought After Shots Fired at Bertie County Deputies

RALEIGH, N.C. – Federal charges were brought today against a Lewiston-Woodville man charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm.  Dominique Javon Thompson, 34, appeared in federal court for his initial appearance.

According to information presented in the Criminal Complaint, Thompson fired at Bertie County Deputies who were responding to a call regarding an armed individual at a residence in Lewiston-Woodville. The Complaint alleges that when deputies arrived, Thompson opened fire at their patrol vehicles. Neither the deputies nor the K-9 deputy were struck by the gunfire, although their vehicles were hit multiple times.  Thompson then fled in a White Hyundai Elantra.  Deputies received information that Thompson had family in the Kinston area, and the Kinston Police Department found the white Elantra abandoned on the side of the road around 9 am.  Kinston PD later found Thompson in a car during a traffic stop.  Upon approaching the car, the officer found Thompson in the back seat and took him into custody.  A firearm was found in the glovebox, which matched the description of the one used in the shooting in Bertie County.

“We will work quickly and tirelessly to investigate anyone who tries to inflict violence against our law enforcement partners and break federal laws, as alleged in the complaint,” Acting United States Attorney Daniel P. Bubar stated today.  “I’m proud of the investigative response provided by our federal and state partners in this case.”

“Thankfully, no one was hurt, and the defendant was taken into custody without incident,” Bertie County Sheriff Tyrone M. Ruffin stated today.  “Law enforcement officers dedicate themselves to public service and we leave home daily not knowing if we will return.  We are thankful for the partnerships of our local, state, and federal resources.”

Thompson is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code Sections 922(g)(1) and 924. He faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison if convicted.

Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office, State Highway Patrol, Bertie Police Department, Martin Police Department, Williamston Police Department, and Kinston Police Department assisted with the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Phil Aubart is prosecuting the case.

Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:25-mj-01049.

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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