Press Release Information
On Friday, March 2, 2024, at approximately 7:13 p.m., Hoke County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to the 900 Block of Loop Road in reference to an Armed Robbery. Hoke County Emergency Communications described the suspect vehicle and stated that four suspects were involved. The victim received non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where they were treated and released.
Hoke County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were able to locate the suspect vehicle en route to the scene and attempted to perform a traffic stop. A Hoke County Sheriff’s Deputy vehicle was struck by gunfire while trying to stop the suspects; the Deputy was not injured during this incident. Deputies later found the car abandoned in the area of Purvis Court, which prompted a search of the Hillcrest area for the suspects.
During the investigation, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office Detectives and Special Operations Unit were able to identify one of the suspects as Octavius Purcell. Purcell was taken into custody and transported to the Hoke County Detention Center, where he was charged with Attempted Murder, Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle, Felony Conspiracy (x2), First Degree Burglary, Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon, Second Degree Kidnapping, and Larceny of Motor Vehicle.
Other suspects have also been identified in this case. The investigation is ongoing at this time.
If you have any further information, please contact Captain Shipp at 910-878-1237