Man Accused of Shooting at a Durham Police Officer Arrested by U.S. Marshals in Burlington, NC

Greensboro, NC - On January 14, 2016, at approximately 6:00 PM, Syron Deshon Townsend, 28, was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Joint Fugitive Task Force (JFTF). Townsend was wanted by the Durham Police Department for Attempted First Degree Murder, Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Government Official, Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious injury, Possession of a Firearm by Felon and Possession of a Stolen Firearm. The warrants for arrest were issued on January 12, 2016.

On January 9, 2016, at approximately 11:30 PM, officers of the Durham Police Department were conducting a foot patrol in the vicinity of Building 6, McDougald Terrace in Durham. Per authorities, during the patrol, Townsend was overheard in taking part of a conservation that involved criminal activity. The officers confronted Townsend along with others and subsequently, Townsend fled the scene on foot.

Immediately, a foot pursuit ensued with Townsend and one of the officers. During the foot pursuit, Townsend fired approximately four shots at the pursing officer which in turn led the officer to return fire. Neither Townsend nor the officer were struck, Townsend was last seen entering a building.

On January 14, 2016, the JFTF developed information through investigative efforts that Townsend was staying at a residence located at 2322 Lavista Drive in Burlington. The JFTF Investigators verified the information and converged on the residence taking Townsend into custody without incident. Townsend was transported to the Durham County Jail where he is currently being held on the alleged charges.

The U.S. Marshals Joint Fugitive Task Force for the Middle District of North Carolina is comprised of investigators from the U.S. Marshals Service, Immigration Customs and Enforcement, Chapel Hill Police Department, Durham Police Department, Greensboro Police Department, High Point Police Department, Winston-Salem Police Department, Alamance County Sheriff’s Office, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina Department.