MacArthur Walker Jr., a 58-year-old resident of Washington, D.C., has been sentenced to two years and three months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. The sentencing took place on January 8, 2025, for the charge of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees involving physical contact.
Court documents reveal that the incident occurred on May 4, 2024. Walker was driving through the New River Gorge National Park area near Sandstone, West Virginia when a law enforcement officer stopped his vehicle. The officer detected the smell of marijuana and a passenger in Walker's car admitted there were approximately 3.5 grams of marijuana present.
The passenger handed over the marijuana to the officer. Subsequently, Walker was instructed to exit his vehicle and remain by the officer’s car while a search was conducted. During this search, a brown briefcase containing a loaded Rossi .38 Special revolver, holster, and ammunition was discovered. Upon finding the firearm, Walker approached the officer despite being ordered to stay put. When asked to turn around for handcuffing, Walker struck the officer on the left side before being subdued with a taser.
Walker has an extensive criminal record with prior felony convictions including 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 while Assistant United States Attorneys J. Parker Bazzle II and Alexander A. Redmon handled prosecution duties.
Further details regarding this case can be accessed through PACER by searching Case No. 5:24-cr-88.