Four Law Enforcement Officers Killed, Four Injured in Charlotte Shooting

Breaking news: A shooting in Charlotte claims lives of 4 law enforcement officers, leaving 4 others wounded.

On Monday, a tragic shooting in east Charlotte, North Carolina, claimed the lives of four law enforcement officers and left four others injured. The incident occurred when a U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force attempted to serve a warrant on a convicted felon suspected of possessing illegal firearms at a home on Galway Drive in the Shannon Park neighborhood.

Suspect Opens Fire on Officers

Around 1:30 p.m., as the task force approached the home, the suspect, 39-year-old Terry Clark Hughes Jr., opened fire with a high-powered rifle. Three members of the task force were killed, including a U.S. Marshal and two officers from the N.C. Department of Adult Correction. A fourth task force member was also shot.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) officers quickly responded to the scene, and four of them were shot as well. The officers returned fire, striking and killing Hughes in the front yard of the home. Two other individuals inside the house were taken into custody for questioning.

The three task force members killed were identified as U.S. Deputy Marshal Thomas M. Weeks Jr., a 13-year veteran of the Marshals Service, and N.C. Department of Adult Correction officers Sam Poloche and Alden Elliott, both 14-year veterans. Poloche is survived by his wife and two children, while Elliott is married with one child.

CMPD Officer Succumbs to Injuries

CMPD Officer Joshua Eyer, a six-year veteran of the department, succumbed to his injuries later that evening. He was a member of the North Tryon Division and had recently been named Officer of the Month for April.

Three other CMPD officers and a detective from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office were also injured in the shooting. They are expected to recover from their wounds.

The U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, which includes members from 16 agencies, including the CMPD, was attempting to serve Hughes with a warrant for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and two counts of felony fleeing to elude.

Investigation Continues

Authorities are still investigating the incident, and the two individuals taken into custody are cooperating. The incident marks one of the deadliest attacks on law enforcement in recent history.

CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings, who has been with the department for over 30 years, stated it was the worst attack on law enforcement. President Joe Biden spoke with Cha