Charlotte, North Carolina – Police officials provided updates Tuesday on the tragic incident where four law enforcement officers were shot and killed while serving a warrant in east Charlotte. The officers were met with gunfire at a residence on Galway Dr. where they were attempting to apprehend a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
Among the officers killed were Samuel Poloche and William Elliott from the North Carolina Department of Corrections, Joshua Eyer from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, and Thomas Weeks, a deputy U.S. Marshal. Additionally, four other officers were injured during the shootout, with Officer Christopher Tolley remaining hospitalized in stable condition while the others have been released.
During the investigation, authorities recovered two firearms—a rifle and a handgun—from the crime scene. The suspect, Terry Clark Hughes Jr., who was killed in the exchange of gunfire, was found with these weapons. Initially, there were concerns about a possible second shooter, but CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings later stated that they were no longer certain about this aspect.
Furthermore, it was revealed that a total of twelve CMPD officers discharged their weapons during the incident. As per standard procedure, all twelve officers have been placed on administrative leave pending the ongoing investigation. Two other individuals present at the scene, identified as women, are cooperating with the authorities and are not considered suspects at this time.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper commended the bravery and dedication of the officers involved in the operation, emphasizing the risks they face in safeguarding communities. With 132 mass shootings reported in 2024, including the Charlotte incident, efforts to address gun violence and ensure the safety of law enforcement personnel remain at the forefront of public discourse.
The fallen and injured officers were part of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, comprising personnel from 16 different agencies. President Joe Biden expressed his condolences for the officers’ sacrifice and called for greater support and resources for law enforcement nationwide. The investigation into the shooting continues, with authorities focusing on identifying the source of the firearms used in the incident to prevent future tragedies.