Charlotte, North Carolina – Four brave law enforcement officers tragically lost their lives in a mass shooting incident that shook the community on Monday. These officers, who were fathers, husbands, sons, and highly respected individuals, were serving on the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force when they were fatally shot while trying to issue a felony warrant to 39-year-old Terry Clark Hughes, Jr.
Among the fallen heroes was Thomas Weeks, a dedicated 48-year-old U.S. Marshals Service officer with 13 years of service. Weeks, described as a hero by the Director of USMS, Ronald Davis, had transferred to Charlotte in 2014 after starting his career in Washington, D.C. He is survived by his wife, Kelly, and four children.
Another officer lost in the tragic incident was 42-year-old Samuel Poloche, a 14-year veteran of the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction. Poloche had been a member of the department’s Special Operations and Intelligence Unit since 2013, leaving behind a wife and two children. Additionally, William Alden Elliott, also a 14-year veteran of the department, was killed in the line of duty. Elliott, who joined the Special Operations and Intelligence Unit in 2016, is remembered as someone deeply passionate about protecting the community. He is survived by his wife and one child.
Officer Joshua Eyer, a 31-year-old 6-year veteran of the CMPD, succumbed to his injuries after a heroic battle for his life. Eyer, who had recently been named Officer of the Month, is fondly remembered by his colleagues as a dedicated and reliable officer. He is survived by his wife and 3-year-old son.
In the aftermath of the tragic incident, the community has rallied together to support the families of the fallen officers. A fundraiser organized by Back The Blue North Carolina has already raised over $50,000 to assist those affected by the shooting. Meanwhile, the investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities looking into multiple aspects, including the possibility of a second shooter and the locations of the gunfire during the incident.
As the community mourns the loss of these brave officers, their legacy of service and sacrifice will continue to be honored and remembered by all those who knew them.