A truck driver from North Carolina with a history of offenses now faces federal charges after a bank heist led to an exchange of gunfire with police, officials reported.

Willie Edward McGee Jr. has been charged with committing bank robbery and using a firearm during a violent crime, as detailed in a federal complaint.

Authorities recounted that on December 26, McGee entered the First Citizens Bank in Zebulon, North Carolina, and demanded cash under the threat of possessing C-4 explosives. The teller handed over $3,234, after which McGee made his escape in a semi-truck, they added.

Officers from various law enforcement agencies converged on the scene of the armed robbery, leading to McGee’s capture in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. (U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of North Carolina)

According to the Rocky Mount Police Department, McGee’s truck was later located in a Hobby Lobby parking lot after the robbery occurred.

According to surveillance and officers at the scene, McGee allegedly exited the vehicle armed with a Ruger AR-style 5.56 rifle and fired at officers.

Police returned fire and struck McGee. No law enforcement officers or civilians were injured. While taking McGee into custody, officers recovered the AR rifle he allegedly used to shoot at officers and a handgun from his waistband.

No officers or members of the public were injured as law enforcement safely took the suspect into custody after a coordinated response in Rocky Mount. (U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of North Carolina)

McGee, according to records reviewed by WRAL-News, has a lengthy criminal history. The local outlet said that the suspect has dozens of charges dating back more than 20 years.

WRAL reported that he has offenses spanning from Duplin, Wake and Durham counties.

Federal and local law enforcement recovered guns and evidence following the arrest of a suspect charged with armed bank robbery and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. (U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of North Carolina)

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche called the incident “domestic terror.”

“As alleged, this defendant didn’t just rob a bank — he threatened innocent civilians with explosives and then opened fire on police officers,” Blanche said. “That is not desperation, it is domestic terror. Thanks to the extraordinary courage and professionalism of our law enforcement partners, he is alive, in custody, and facing decades in federal prison.”

“Let this serve as a warning: if you bring violence into our communities or target the men and women who protect them, this Department of Justice will meet you with the full weight of the federal government and ensure you are removed from the streets for a very long time.”

The investigation remains active. Anyone with further information about the alleged crimes is asked to please call the FBI at (704) 672-6100. Fox News Digital has reached out to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of North Carolina, for comment.