CHARLOTTE, NC – On Monday afternoon, a violent shootout in Charlotte, North Carolina resulted in the deaths of four law enforcement officers, with four others wounded. The incident occurred during a warrant-related confrontation with a suspect.
The deceased officers were identified by U.S. Marshal Service Director Ronald Coleman on Tuesday. The fallen officers include Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas M. Weeks Jr., 48, of Mooresville, North Carolina, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officer Joshua Eyer, and North Carolina Department of Adult Correction officers Sam Poloche and William “Alden” Elliott.
The confrontation began when a U.S. Marshals Task Force attempted to serve a warrant for firearm possession to a convicted felon. The suspect, later identified as 39-year-old Terry Clark Hughes, Jr., was the first to open fire. Hughes, who was also wanted for two felony counts of eluding police in Lincoln County, North Carolina, was killed in the ensuing gunfight.
Authorities are investigating the possibility of a second shooter. Two persons of interest, a 17-year-old and a woman, were brought to the police station for further questioning.
The violent encounter resulted in the deaths of three U.S. Marshals Task Force officers and one officer from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Additionally, three local police officers and one U.S. Marshals Task Force officer were injured and are currently recovering.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings, a 32-year veteran of the force, described the incident as the most tragic he has experienced in his career. The police department urged residents to stay indoors as the situation unfolded and roads were closed to facilitate emergency response.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper confirmed his office’s awareness of the situation, offering state resources to assist. The incident has sparked conversations about the dangers faced by law enforcement officers, with former FBI special agent Nicole Parker emphasizing the need to support and honor those who wear the badge.