Charlotte, North Carolina – Four officers were tragically killed in a shooting incident while attempting to serve a warrant at a residence in Charlotte, including one deputy US marshal and two local task force officers, according to authorities.
The shooting took place on Galway Drive as members of the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force were serving a warrant for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings stated at a news conference.
During the incident, a total of eight law enforcement officers were shot, with three members of the marshals task force losing their lives. Two of the officers, Sam Poloche and Alden Elliott, were veterans of the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction and were assigned to the task force.
In a tragic turn of events, one of the wounded officers, Joshua Eyer, succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind his wife and 3-year-old son. Chief Jennings expressed his gratitude for Eyer’s dedication and bravery in serving the community.
Two individuals are being questioned as “people of interest” in connection with the shooting, as authorities work to uncover more details about the incident.
The Governor of North Carolina, Roy Cooper, is in Charlotte receiving updates on the situation and is scheduled to meet with the families of the victims and officials. President Joe Biden also acknowledged the sacrifice of the fallen officers, referring to them as heroes.
The US Marshals Service expressed their condolences for the lives lost and those affected by the tragic events in Charlotte, emphasizing their gratitude for the support shown during this difficult time.
The community mourns the loss of the officers and stands in solidarity with their families, colleagues, and the injured officers, as investigations continue into the devastating shooting incident in Charlotte.