Charlotte police offer update on those killed in shooting
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Editor’s note: There have been significant updates in this story.
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Three members of the US Marshals Service and one CMPD officer were shot and killed, three other Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officers were shot and injured, and another from an assisting agency was hurt during a US Marshals Task Force investigation in east Charlotte Monday afternoon.
One of the suspects involved in the incident was shot and killed by law enforcement at the house.
“We are going to diligently work on this to bring respect to these officers and law enforcement officials that lost their lives today,” CMPD Police Chief Jennings said. “When we put on this uniform, we don’t have any guarantees that we’re going to return home. We have lots of great men and women who do it every single day to make sure you’re safe in your communities.”
New neighbor video shows the chaotic scene. Watch below here:
Several flowers have been placed outside the US Marshals headquarters in Charlotte and the American flag outside the building has been lowered to half-staff.
The US Marshals Service said of the three killed from their office, one was a deputy and two were task force members.
“Our hearts are heavy tonight for the lives shattered by today’s horrific shooting in Charlotte, NC. We are grateful for all the support, and we keep the families and colleagues of all officers involved, in our thoughts.”
CMPD issued a ‘severe alert’ around 1:30 p.m. on Monday, April 29, after numerous law enforcement officers were struck by gunfire.
The U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, made up of officers from several agencies, went to a home to serve warrants.
As officers approached the home, 39-year-old Terry Clark Hughes, Jr, started shooting hitting several officers. Other officers who arrived to provide backup were also shot.
In total, eight officers were shot and rushed to local hospitals. Three members of the task force were declared dead at the hospital. One other member of the US Marshal task force was injured.
One CMPD officer would later die from his injuries and three other CMPD officers were injured.
Officials say the shooter, Hughes, was shot dead by authorities when he went outside still armed. He was later pronounced dead in the yard.
A SWAT situation broke out in the 5000 block of Galway Drive. CMPD said the scene on Galway Drive is now clear, and the area is safe.
“Residents no longer need to shelter in place,” CMPD said just before 5 p.m.
CMPD is now questioning two women who were inside the east Charlotte home.
Officials say Hughes was wanted in Lincoln County for Possession of a Firearm by Felon and 2 counts of Felony Flee to Elude.
“CMPD and other law enforcement agencies will be at the scene to conduct the investigation. Some roadways in the neighborhood will remain closed. Please remain patient,” CMPD said.
An original police call made over the radio on Monday, April 29, indicated several officers were shot and injured during a barricade situation.
According to CMPD, the US Marshals Task Force, which is made up of officers from multiple agencies, was conducting an investigation in the area when a suspect began shooting at them.
CMPD said multiple law enforcement officers were rushed to nearby hospitals in Charlotte. Heavy police activity could be observed at Atrium Main, the region’s Level 1 trauma center.
Atrium Health released the following statement:
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred today involving multiple law enforcement officers. Our Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center emergency department teammates immediately began providing care to the injured. We have also been extending emotional support to their families and colleagues.”
A spokesperson with Novant Health reports it is “business as usual” at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center. The hospital was not on lockdown.
Novant Health released the following statement:
“This is a devastating day for our Charlotte community. While our hope is that we never have to encounter these tragic events, we stand ready to provide the highest quality care to our patients. We have mobilized our care teams and resources in response to this developing situation. As a designated trauma center, our teams engage in comprehensive training drills and exercises to ensure our teams are ready to respond to scenarios like this one.”
Following the initial shooting Monday afternoon, “gunfire continued” in the area as CMPD’s SWAT team worked to take those involved into custody before the area was deemed safe
Not coming home
CMPD officials say Officer Joshua Eyer was critically injured in the incident and later died from his injuries. He leaves behind a wife and a 3-year-old son.
Officer Eyer was just recognized as one of the Employees of the Month for April. He served with CMPD for 6 years.
Today, we tragically lost 3 U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force members in the line of duty. Five additional officers were struck by gunfire…
The heroic actions of these officers are a testament to the dangers our law enforcement officers face daily. Today, some of our fellow colleagues made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety and protection of our community. We are grateful for the bravery shown by all officers and outpouring responses from our neighboring agencies.
CHARLOTTE-MECKLENBURG POLICE
The two task force officers killed have been identified as Sam Poloche and Alden Elliott, according to a release for the NC Department of Adult Corrections. Both were 14-year veterans of NCDAC.
More recently, the two were assigned to the U.S. Marshals Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force.
In 2013, Poloche moved to the NCDAC Special Operations and Intelligence Unit and Elliott followed in 2016. Both had served several years as probation/parole officers.
Poloche leaves behind a wife and two children. Alden leaves behind a wife and one child.
“They loved their work, and were passionate about their roles in protecting our communities,” NCDAC said in a release. “These officers died as heroes and made the ultimate sacrifice in their service to our state. We remember them, we honor their service, we send our deepest condolences to their families and friends, and we pray for healing for all affected by this tragic incident.”
The identity of the US Marshal Deputy killed has not been released.
CMPD and Meck County units rush to the scene
Multiple CMPD patrol units and Mecklenburg County Sheriff units were spotted speeding towards the crime scene on Monday afternoon.
The York County Sheriff’s Office has offered their assistance, stating, “The YCSO stands ready to assist our brothers and sisters at CMPD in any way we can. Sheriff Kevin Tolson and our staff are monitoring the situation and praying for nothing but positive outcomes for all officers involved.”
Multiple roads shut down following shooting
Many roads closed Monday afternoon for faster ambulance transport, CMPD explained. Officers were observed directing traffic at The Plaza and Sugar Creek Road intersection.
CATS issued several closures stating, “Expect delays along the Gold Line due to emergency vehicles blocking the tracks from Elizabeth and Hawthorn to Sunnyside Station. A bus bridge has been requested between CTC and Sunnyside.”
CATS riders should also expect delays along bus routes, officials said.
I-77 North has reopened near Charlotte at Exit 9, NC 160 / I-277 North / US 74 West, following earlier police activity. However, 6 miles of congestion remain in the area, NCDOT said.
Lockdown lifted at several Charlotte schools
“We have just received the all-clear from CMPD for the CMS schools that were placed in lockdown,” Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools said Monday afternoon. “Those schools are Devonshire ES, Briarwood Academy, Cochrane Collegiate, and Lawrence Orr ES. The lockdown has been lifted. The schools will begin or continue dismissal.”
Counseling support will be offered at the schools that went into lockdown and resources will be provided to families and staff to help them cope, CMS said.
Local, state and national officials offer support
“I am deeply saddened by the shooting that occurred that involved Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers and US Marshals today,” Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyes said. “I ask that all Charlotteans keep them, the other injured officers, and their families in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.
“We are aware of this active situation and are monitoring it in conjunction with law enforcement. There is much more to know, but at this point, official reports indicate that multiple law enforcement officers have been shot,” Rep. Jeff Jackson (NC-14) said. “May all our thoughts be with the victims and our entire law enforcement community in the wake of this horrific act of violence.”
Gov. Roy Cooper came to Charlotte in the hours following the shooting.
“I am in contact with law enforcement concerning the tragic shooting in the Charlotte area, and we have offered state resources to help,” Gov. Roy Cooper said. “Our hearts are with the families and co-workers of officers in today’s brutal attack, including two state Department of Adult Correction officers working with the US Marshal’s Task Force who were shot and killed. – RC”
“The active and violent situation being reported out of Charlotte is awful. My heart goes out to those impacted and my deep gratitude to the CMPD and other law enforcement for all their efforts to keep people safe. I’m praying for the best,” Josh Stein said, who is running for governor in North Carolina.
At this time, details are limited as to what the US Marshals Task Force was investigating in east Charlotte before gunfire broke out in the area, killing several law enforcement officers.
