U.S. Attorney William S. Thompson | U.S. Department of Justice
MacArthur Walker Jr., a 58-year-old resident of Washington, D.C., has been sentenced to two years and three months in prison. This will be followed by three years of supervised release for assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees involving physical contact. The sentencing took place on January 8, 2025.
The incident occurred on May 4, 2024, when Walker was driving through the New River Gorge National Park area near Sandstone, West Virginia. A law enforcement officer conducted a traffic stop and detected the smell of marijuana from the vehicle. A passenger admitted there were approximately 3.5 grams of marijuana in the car and handed it over to the officer.
During a search of Walker's vehicle, authorities found a brown briefcase containing a loaded Rossi .38 Special revolver, a holster, and ammunition. After discovering the firearm, Walker disobeyed orders to remain by the officer’s vehicle and approached the officer instead. When instructed to turn around for handcuffing, Walker struck the officer on his left side with his fist. The officer then used a taser to subdue him.
Walker has an extensive criminal record that includes previous felony convictions for first-degree theft, multiple controlled substances offenses, and third-offense driving while intoxicated.
United States Attorney Will Thompson announced the sentencing and praised the investigative efforts of both the National Park Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk delivered the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys J. Parker Bazzle II and Alexander A. Redmon handled prosecution duties.
Further details about this case can be accessed through PACER by searching Case No. 5:24-cr-88.
