A North Carolina police officer was shot and killed inside a supermarket Monday while responding to a call of an armed suspect inside the store, authorities said.
Greensboro Police Officer Michael Horan was shot at a Food Lion store around 11 a.m. and succumbed to his injuries, Deputy Chief MJ Harris said at a news conference.
Police officials said the gunman fled the scene and was taken into custody after a high-speed chase.
A witness who was inside the store told a local Fox affiliate that he was with his 6-year-old granddaughter when he heard the gunshots.
“We were on our way out, we were buying lottery tickets, and we were just sitting there and we heard 'pop, pop,' and 'pop, pop, pop.' We heard five gunshots. I think” Ramona Miller he told WGHP.
“At first I didn't know there was a shooting…but then the employee yelled, 'Shooting!' Shooting!'”
Details about the shooting, including whether Horan fired back, were not clear as of Monday.
Harris said Horan responded to a report of a man with a firearm at Food Lion before the shooting occurred.
Horan served with the Greensboro Police Department for seven years and previously served in the U.S. Coast Guard for 18 years. He was in the Army Reserve at the time of his death.
“He was an excellent officer,” Harris said. “He had an excellent reputation within the department and in the community.”
“Thanks to the cooperation of multiple partners, the perpetrator is in custody and there is no threat to the public,” the police chief said.
Police said the suspect's identity and charges have not yet been released as the investigation is ongoing.
The State Bureau of Investigation will continue to investigate the shooting.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper conveyed his sadness about the death of a police officer on Monday.
“This officer was courageously performing his duties when he became the victim of a senseless act of violence in the City of Greensboro,” Cooper said.
“I extend my sympathy to his family and friends and thank him for his brave and dedicated service.”
with post wire
