ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. (AP) — Monday, January 12, 2026
A Rocky Mount truck driver faces federal charges today after a violent bank robbery last month that ended in a shootout with police, federal authorities announced.
The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Mark Daniels, was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of armed bank robbery, use of a firearm during a crime of violence, and assaulting a federal officer. The charges stem from the December 26 incident at the First National Bank on Sunset Avenue. According to court documents, Daniels entered the bank brandishing a semi-automatic rifle, demanded cash from the tellers, and fled the scene in his personal pickup truck.
A responding officer located the vehicle shortly after, leading to a high-speed pursuit that terminated in a residential neighborhood. Authorities say Daniels exited his truck and opened fire on arresting officers before being wounded and taken into custody. No officers or bystanders were seriously injured in the exchange.
“This individual turned a quiet post-holiday morning into a scene of chaos and danger,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley in a press statement. “We are grateful for the bravery of the responding officers who prevented further tragedy. These federal charges reflect the severity of his actions and our commitment to prosecuting violent crime to the fullest extent of the law.”
Daniels remains in federal custody without bond pending his arraignment later this week. If convicted on all counts, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in federal prison.
