CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Details regarding the tragic death of a gunman in Charlotte were revealed in recently released state autopsy and toxicology reports. Terry Clark Hughes Jr., 39, carried out a deadly attack on law enforcement officers, resulting in the loss of four lives and the injury of four others. The incident took place on April 29 when Hughes opened fire with an assault rifle while officers were attempting to serve an arrest warrant.
According to a North Carolina medical examiner’s report, Hughes was shot a total of 12 times during a standoff with law enforcement. The autopsy revealed that he sustained wounds to both his upper and lower body. Additionally, toxicology reports indicated the presence of THC in his system, a psychoactive compound found in marijuana.
The shooting, which occurred in a residential neighborhood in east Charlotte, came to an end when Hughes leaped from a second-floor window into the front yard, where he succumbed to his injuries. Authorities stated that at least 12 officers discharged their firearms during the standoff. Initially, there was speculation about the involvement of a second shooter, but this theory was dispelled during a news conference on May 31, where it was confirmed that Hughes acted alone.
Despite initial confusion, it was clarified that two females present in the home during the shooting were not involved in the gunfire. Hughes, who had a lengthy criminal record dating back over a decade, was known to authorities for various charges, including breaking and entering, eluding arrest, and illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The four officers who tragically lost their lives during the attack were identified as Sam Poloche and William Elliott of the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Officer Joshua Eyer, and Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas Weeks. Following the incident, memorials were held in honor of the fallen officers across the state, with President Joe Biden visiting North Carolina to offer his condolences to the grieving families.