Ayden, NC – A now-former Ayden Police Department officer, Marquis Robins, was arrested early Sunday, August 31, 2025, on multiple serious charges including domestic violence, assault on a female, and child abuse — an incident that allegedly involved the discharge of a shotgun inside his home.
According to the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), deputies responded to assist Ayden Police due to a conflict of interest, as the accused was one of their own. The alleged events took place between 1:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m., when Robins, reportedly intoxicated, fired a shotgun into a bedroom door and hallway wall — while the home was occupied by a child.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported from the firearm discharge. Authorities confirmed that the shotgun was not department-issued.
In addition, court documents state that Robins head-butted a woman, opening her lip and causing visible injury. The victim was reportedly a former partner of Robins.
Robins now faces the following charges:
Domestic Violence (Misdemeanor)
Assault on a Female (Misdemeanor)
Child Abuse (Misdemeanor)
Five Counts of Discharging a Weapon into Occupied Property (Felony)
Robins has since resigned from the Ayden Police Department, and is currently held without bond in the Pitt County Detention Center. His first court appearance is scheduled for September 2.
The investigation is ongoing, and the story will be updated as more information becomes available.
