Four Officers Killed, Four Injured in Charlotte Shooting Incident

Breaking news in Charlotte: Four police officers have been fatally shot, with four others sustaining injuries in a recent incident.

On Monday, a tragic shooting incident in Charlotte, North Carolina, claimed the lives of four law enforcement officers and injured four others. The incident occurred when officers from the Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force attempted to serve warrants on a suspect at a residence in the North Tryon Division. The suspect, armed with a semi-automatic AR-15 rifle and a 40-caliber handgun, opened fire on the officers, leading to a shootout that resulted in the suspect’s death and the loss of four officers’ lives.

Fallen Officers Identified

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) and the U.S. Marshals Service held a press conference on Tuesday to provide updates on the incident and to identify the officers involved. Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas Weeks, a 13-year veteran of the U.S. Marshals Office, and CMPD Officer Joshua Eyer, hired in May 2006, were among the four officers killed in the line of duty. Sam Poloche and Alden Elliott, both 14-year veterans of the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction and assigned to the U.S. Marshals Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force, also lost their lives in the incident.

Four other CMPD officers were injured during the shooting. Officer Christopher Tolley, hired in May 2006, underwent surgery and remains stable. Officers Michael Giglio and Jack Blowers, hired in February 2021 and February 2023, respectively, were treated for gunshot wounds and released from the hospital. Officer Justin Campbell, hired in June 2020, sustained a broken foot and was treated and released.

Investigation and Community Response

The CMPD’s Homicide Unit is investigating the incident, which remains active and ongoing. Preliminary information indicates that 12 CMPD officers fired their service weapons during the incident, and all 12 officers are on paid administrative leave pending an internal investigation, as is standard procedure for officer-involved shootings. Two females inside the residence were brought in for questioning and are cooperating with the investigation. Detectives are not looking for any additional suspects or persons of interest.

The Charlotte community came together on Tuesday night to honor the fallen officers at a prayer vigil held at Little Rock A.M.E. Zion Church. Mayor Vi Lyles and other local officials gathered to support the officers’ families and to remember the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Their colleagues remembered the officers as dedicated professionals who were passionate about their work and committed to protecting their communities.

Remembering the Heroes

The loss of these four officers has deeply affected the Charlotte community and the law enforcement agencies involved. The fallen officers were recognized for their bravery, service, and ultimate sacrifice. Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas Weeks, CMPD Officer Joshua Eyer, and North Carolina Department of Adult Correction officers Sam Poloche and Alden Elliott will be remembered as heroes who gave their lives in the line of duty, protecting and serving their communities.