Bodycam video released of NC murder suspect arrested in Florence Co. mall

The Florence County Sheriff's Office has released body cam video of a Robeson County murder suspect being arrested Wednesday inside Magnolia Mall in Florence.

Florence County Sheriff T.J. Joye said he released the video to be transparent.

Joye said the officer's quick-thinking actions helped to save his life and those in the mall.

"If you don't believe in God. You look at this video. Because I do not know how I am dealing with the death of a deputy today. Truly, we are blessed. This guy is already wanted for one murder. And for us to be able to. For them to apprehend them, the way they did without someone getting hurt, I applaud them. They did an excellent job. You will see that it's intense. My deputies, the way they handled it, cool and collect. With him with a gun," said Joye.

Deputies of the FCSO Criminal Enforcement Unit initiated a traffic stop turning into Magnolia Mall just off I-95 exit 160 on Wednesday.

The vehicle didn't stop and led deputies on a pursuit through the mall parking lot. At one point, the driver exited the vehicle and began running on foot -- leading officers through the mall.

The FCSO says the man pulled a gun and pointed it to a deputy, and the deputy drew his weapon in response.

However, due to the close proximity of people in the area, the deputy could not safely shoot, officials said.

The deputy instead grabbed a stun gun and was able to safely "immobilize" the suspect and take away his firearm.

Investigators then determined their suspect was Jason Tyvon McRae, 30, of Dillon, who's wanted in the murder of 20-year-old Shawn Campbell, of Fairmont in Robeson County.

McRae has pending charges of first-degree murder, first-degree burglary, robbery with a dangerous weapon, discharging a firearm within an enclosure to incite fear, possession of a firearm by a felon, and felony conspiracy.

Campbell was found dead inside a home off Highway 130 on Monday, May 23, 2022.

"Our CEU Unit doesn't just find drugs on the interstate," said Florence County Sheriff TJ Joye, "Sometimes they find murder suspects. They are true professionals doing a dangerous job, and they make us all proud."

McRae is charged as a fugitive from justice in Florence County . McRae is being held in the Florence County Detention Center without bond while awaiting extradition.

“We are thankful that no law enforcement officers or the public were harmed as this could have been a true tragedy in a congested area” said Sheriff Burnis Wilkins. “We appreciate the efforts of the Florence County Sheriff’s Office in bringing this murder suspect into custody”.

The investigation is ongoing. The case is being investigated by the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office Homicide and Criminal Investigations Divisions.

The U.S. Marshals Carolina Fugitive Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Fairmont Police Dept.… Dillon County Sheriff’s Office and Florence assisted with the investigation.