Convicted felon Terry Clark Hughes Jr named as suspect in horror Charlotte shooting that left four officers dead | 959713O | 2024-05-01 19:08:01
Convicted felon Terry Clark Hughes Jr named as suspect in horror Charlotte shooting that left four officers dead | 959713O | 2024-05-01 19:08:01
A CONVICTED felon has been named as the armed suspect accused of killing four law enforcement officials as they attempted to serve a warrant.
The deadly standoff unfolded as officers with the US Marshals Task Force were serving a warrant at a home in the suburbs of Charlotte, North Carolina, at around 1:30 pm on Monday.
However, as US Marshals were serving the documents, they were met with gunfire from a high-powered rifle, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings said.
Officers returned fire and fatally shot the armed suspect, identified as Terry Clark Hughes Jr., a convicted felon with a lengthy criminal background, police said.
Hughes Jr. was wanted for possession of a firearm by a felon, and two counts of felony flee to elude in Lincoln County, said Jennings.
Four law enforcement officials were struck by gunfire during the shootout.
The US Marshals confirmed three members of the task force were fatally shot.
HERO OFFICERS IDENTIFIED
Two officers were identified as Sam Poloche and Alden Elliot, who worked for North Carolina's Department of Adult Corrections.
The two served as probation/parole officers before joining the department's special operations and intelligence unit.
Poloche joined the intelligence unit in 2013, while Elliot joined in 2016.
The third was identified as 13-year veteran deputy US Marshal Thomas Weeks, 48.
<!-- End of Brightcove Player --> Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Jennings said one of his officers died from his injuries at the hospital.
Six-year veteran Joshua Eyer died at the hospital surrounded by his wife and family, the police chief said.
"Officer Eyer was 6-year veteran with the CMPD, and I am truly grateful for his bravery, service, and ultimate sacrifice. He will never be forgotten, and we are forever indebted," Jennings posted on X, formerly Twitter.
"It was just last month I was in this very room, congratulating Officer Eyer for becoming officer of the month," Jennings said during the news conference.
"He certainly dedicated his life and gave his life to serve our citizens."
SECOND WAVE OF GUNFIRE
After a three-hour standoff, an armored police truck was finally able to breach the home, breaking windows and tearing through doorways.
But, as officers approached the residence, they were met by more gunfire from a second shooter inside the house.
Officials were able to negotiate with the other people in the house as two females exited the property and were arrested.
The relationship between the two women, one described as a 17-year-old, has not been determined.
Police have not disclosed who the second shooter was.
"We are very early in the investigation," Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Jennings said.
"CMPD will lead this investigation, we still have a lot to uncover, a lot of questions that are not answered right now."
<!--googleoff: all--> <blockquote class="article__quote"> </blockquote> <!--googleon: all--> Four other Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers were injured during the hail of gunfire.
The cops responded to the scene while trying to rescue the initial round of wounded officers.
The injured officers were identified as Chris Talley, Mike Giglio, Jack Blowers, and Justin Campbell.
"Unfortunately, this individual decided to greet them with gunfire, and it just turned into a tragic event for the officers who were originally out on the scene and the officers who responded to try and assist," Jennings told CNN.
The four wounded officers are in stable condition and are expected to survive.
Neighbors recall the wave of gunfire lasting for several minutes.
"I see, like, 50 police cars zooming in, and then I hear gunshots," Alex Rivera, who lives on a street nearby, told the Associated Press.
"Bless those officers and bless their families."
"Nobody should get killed over a warrant," said local William Cunningham, who served in the 1991 Operation Desert Storm in the Middle East.
President Joe Biden mourned the death of the officers, saying, "They are heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice, rushing into harm's way to protect us.
"We mourn for them and their loved ones. And we pray for the recoveries of the courageous officers who were wounded."
"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," said Roy Cooper, North Carolina's governor.
Thirteen-year veteran deputy US Marshal Thomas Weeks, 48, was among those killed[/caption]
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officer Joshua Eyer died from his injuries[/caption]
A law officer walks away from the scene of the shooting where multiple law enforcement officers were shot[/caption]
An emotional Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles as she speaks at a press conference[/caption]
Police urged people to stay away from the neighborhood and asked residents to remain inside their homes until the all-clear was given[/caption]
More >> https://ift.tt/vJ95Uqm Source: MAG NEWS
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