Three of four law enforcement officers were killed in a shootout in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Monday afternoon., Identified.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) has identified the missing officer as Joshua Eyer. The North Carolina Adult Corrections Department (NCDAC) has identified Sam Poroche and Alden Elliott as task force officers assigned to the Carolina Sheriff’s Regional Fugitive Task Force who were killed in a “tragic shooting.” One additional victim, a U.S. Marshals deputy, has not been identified, pending notification of family members.
CMPD posted Monday night: “We are forever grateful for Officer Eyer’s courage and ultimate sacrifice.” “His life and contributions will never be forgotten.”
Eyer served in the department’s North Tryon Division for six years and was a member of the 178th Recruit Class. A video shared on social media around 11:30 p.m. showed a procession carrying his body from the hospital to the medical examiner’s office.
Charlotte shooting: 4 law enforcement officers killed, 4 injured as U.S. Marshals task force executes warrant
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Officer Joshua Eyer was shot and killed in the line of duty while assisting other officers in arresting 39-year-old Terry Clark Hughes Jr. (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department)
Poloche joined the NCDAC Special Operations Intelligence Division in 2013, and Elliott joined in 2016, according to the Department of Adult Corrections. Both served as probation officers for several years.
“They loved their jobs and were passionate about their role in protecting our communities,” the department said.
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Samuel “Sam” Poloche joined the NCDAC Special Operations and Intelligence Unit in 2013, according to a press release. He leaves behind his wife and two children. (North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections)
Poroce has a wife and two children. Alden leaves behind his wife and one child.
The shooting began when a U.S. Marshals task force attempted to execute a warrant for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. At a news conference Monday night, authorities said the warrant recipient was the first person to fire. The suspect, later identified as 39-year-old Terry Clark Hughes Jr., was killed in the gunfight, police said.
William “Alden” Elliott was a 14-year veteran of the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections and leaves behind a wife and one child. (North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections)
Hughes was also wanted on two felony counts of escape from Lincoln County, North Carolina, according to Charlotte police.
Police believe two gunmen may have been involved. They said two persons of interest, a 17-year-old and a woman, were taken to the police station for further investigation.
On Monday, April 29, 2024, multiple law enforcement officers were shot and killed in the 5000 block of Galway Drive in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Kadeje Nicoye/Charlotte Observer/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
A total of eight law enforcement officers were shot and killed. Three CMPD officers and one U.S. Marshals Task Force officer were injured and are still recovering from their injuries.
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“These officers died as heroes and made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country,” the NCDAC press release said. “We remember them, honor their legacy, extend our deepest condolences to their families and friends, and pray for healing for all affected by this tragic incident.”
FOX News’ Andrea Vacchiano and Audrey Conklin contributed to this report.
