Charlotte, North Carolina – Charlotte-Mecklenburg police held a press conference on Friday night, updating the public a month and two days after four officers tragically lost their lives in the line of duty. Chief Tonya Arrington provided new details regarding the incident, confirming that there was only one shooter involved in the devastating events that took place on April 29.
Arrington stated that the investigation is ongoing, but they have determined that Terry Clark Hughes, Jr. was the sole gunman who opened fire on the officers, resulting in a fatal exchange of gunfire. The officers, part of the U.S. Marshals Task Force, were responding to a warrant for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in the 5000 block of Galway Drive when the shooting occurred.
During the intense 17-minute gun battle, Hughes was fatally shot in the front yard of the residence. Evidence gathered from the scene includes body-worn camera footage, numerous images, officer interviews, and physical pieces of evidence for analysis. Arrington emphasized that the situation was chaotic, with the suspect firing from different positions, leading to initial confusion about the number of shooters.
Inside the house at the time of the shooting were a woman and a teenage girl, who were ordered by the suspect to either leave or take cover before the gunfire began. Despite possessing both an AR-15 and a handgun, evidence suggests that Hughes only used the AR-15 during the assault. As the events unfolded, officers observed movement in the second-floor window, prompting a tactical response to neutralize any potential threat to those on the ground.
Unfortunately, the exchange of gunfire resulted in the deaths of three U.S. Marshals officers, Alden Elliot, Samuel Poloche, and Thomas Weeks Jr., along with CMPD Officer Joshua Eyer. The injured officers from CMPD were not part of the initial task force response but were present at the scene. Following standard procedure, 12 officers who discharged their weapons during the incident have been placed on administrative leave.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities continuing to piece together the events of that fateful day. The community mourns the loss of these brave officers, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. This story will be updated as more information becomes available. To stay informed about this developing story and others, download the WXII app for the latest news and updates.