Craven County Man Who Shot Sheriff’s Deputy Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison

NEW BERN, N.C. –Robert Joseph Westrup, 43, of Craven County, was sentenced today to the statutory maximum of 120 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a felon in connection with the shooting of a Craven County Sheriff’s deputy on October 1, 2021. The shooting left the deputy paralyzed from the waist down. Westrup pled guilty on November 3, 2023.

“Westrup’s federal prosecution is just one example of our commitment to seeking justice for those who serve and put themselves in the line of fire every day to keep our communities safe,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “Those who seek to harm the brave men and women in law enforcement will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

“But for the quick and heroic actions of fellow Craven County deputies, this shooting would have resulted in even more tragedy,” said Craven County Sheriff Chip Hughes. “While nothing can undo the harm caused by this defendant, this active prison sentence obtained by the U.S. Attorney's Office serves as notice that crimes against law enforcement will not go unpunished.  We will now work with the Craven County District Attorney's Office to move forward with the prosecution of state charges.”

According to court records and other evidence presented in court, sheriff’s deputies were attempting to serve involuntary commitment paperwork on Westrup at the request of his family. Westrup resisted and fired a shot, striking one deputy, instantly paralyzing him, and then engaged in a gun battle with the other deputies. Two deputies were able to drag the injured officer out of the home while the two other deputies exchanged gunfire with Westrup. Eventually, Westrup retreated to the attic over the garage, where he partially fell through the ceiling. Westrup then noticed the injured deputy lying on the sidewalk in front of the garage and began shooting at him again before a heroic neighbor braved gunfire to drag the injured deputy to safety once again. Westrup, who had also been injured, eventually surrendered in the attic, where deputies recovered a Glock 19 9mm pistol.

Westrup was previously convicted of possession of pseudoephedrine with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and was sentenced to 117 months in the Bureau of Prisons in the Middle District of Georgia in 2005.

Westrup is currently charged in Craven County with four counts of attempted first-degree murder, four counts of assault on a law enforcement officer with a firearm, and possession of a firearm by a felon. These charges are related to this incident and remain pending.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Court Louise W. Flanagan. The Craven County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Phil Aubart prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:23-CR-1-FL.