March 14, 2024, started out like any other Thursday in Robeson County. But by lunch, the name Ricky Driggers was plastered across every local news feed. You’ve likely seen the video. It’s harrowing. It shows a chaotic scene in a Lumberton parking lot—shouting, gunshots, and a white truck speeding away.
It was a tragedy.
Basically, what began as a carjacking attempt spiraled into a fatal confrontation that claimed the life of a dedicated public servant. Ricky Alex Driggers, who was 28 at the time, became the center of a massive criminal investigation that shook the Lumberton community to its core.
What Really Happened with Ricky Driggers in Lumberton NC?
The timeline is kinda messy because things happened so fast. Around 10:30 AM, Lumberton police started getting calls about a carjacking in progress on West Fifth Street. Driggers allegedly tried to take a vehicle near the Go Gas station. People were watching. They weren't just standing by, though.
Jonathan Adam Lecompte, a 38-year-old NCDOT employee who had worked for the state for 16 years, decided to step in. He was a "good Samaritan" in the truest, most tragic sense.
Lecompte was armed and actually fired shots at Driggers to try and stop him from stealing a vehicle. Honestly, the eyewitness video is hard to watch. You can hear Lecompte yelling, "Don't get in the g------ truck, fool!" Driggers didn't listen. Instead, he jumped into Lecompte’s own NCDOT work truck.
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He put it in reverse. Then he drove forward.
According to police reports and the video evidence that went viral, Driggers intentionally struck Lecompte with the truck. The impact was devastating. While bystanders screamed for everyone to get out of the way, Driggers sped off, leaving a mortally wounded man behind. Lecompte later died at the hospital, leaving a massive hole in the Fayetteville and Lumberton communities.
The Arrest and the Charges
Driggers didn't get far. He wrecked the stolen NCDOT truck on Selma Road near Highway 41. Police were already on his tail.
When they finally hauled him in, the list of charges was long. We're talking serious, life-altering stuff:
- First-degree murder
- Larceny of a motor vehicle
- Attempted robbery
- Fleeing arrest
But here’s the thing: this wasn't his first run-in with the law. Not even close. At the time of the incident, Ricky Driggers already had a stack of pending charges. He was dealing with counts of DWI, reckless driving, and driving without a license. It seems like a pattern of escalating behavior that finally reached a breaking point that morning in March.
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The Viral Impact and Public Outcry
You can’t talk about Ricky Driggers Lumberton NC without mentioning how the internet reacted. Because the incident was filmed by bystanders at a nearby Burger King, the footage spread like wildfire on TikTok and X (formerly Twitter).
It sparked a massive debate.
Some people questioned the "Good Samaritan" law and whether Lecompte should have engaged a suspect while armed. Others—the vast majority—saw a hero who died trying to protect his community from a person who clearly had no regard for the law. The NCDOT eventually released a statement mourning Lecompte, calling him a "dedicated employee" who was "greatly admired."
Robeson County authorities have had to keep a close eye on Driggers while he's been in custody at the Robeson County Detention Center. There were early reports that he might be a risk to himself. He’s been held without bond, which is pretty standard for a first-degree murder charge in North Carolina.
Navigating the Legal Aftermath
Court dates in Robeson County can be slow. Driggers had a court appearance scheduled for May 2024, but these cases often drag on for years as lawyers sift through the digital evidence.
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The prosecution has a mountain of it. Between the viral cell phone footage, gas station surveillance, and the police body cams from the subsequent chase, the facts of the physical act aren't really in dispute. The legal battle will likely hinge on intent and the "premeditated" nature required for a first-degree conviction.
Lumberton is a tight-knit place. People don't forget stuff like this. You still see "Justice for Jonathan" mentions in local Facebook groups. It’s a reminder that behind every viral "crime video" is a family that lost a father, a son, or a friend.
Actionable Insights for the Community
While the Ricky Driggers case is a legal matter now, it leaves us with some heavy things to think about regarding safety and intervention.
- Know the Risks of Intervention: If you see a crime, the safest move is always to be a "good witness." Take photos, memorize license plates, and stay on the phone with 911.
- Support Local Families: Organizations often set up memorial funds for fallen public servants like Jonathan Lecompte. Checking with local NCDOT chapters or community foundations is a way to help.
- Stay Informed on Court Proceedings: You can track the status of North Carolina criminal cases through the eCourts portal. It's the best way to get facts instead of rumors.
The story of Ricky Driggers in Lumberton serves as a grim chapter in Robeson County history. It’s a story of a split-second decision that led to a lifetime of consequences for everyone involved.
If you're following this case, the next major milestones will be the formal trial proceedings. Until then, the community continues to wait for a final resolution in the courtroom.