CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings broke down in tears during a news conference Tuesday as he remembered the four officers killed while executing a warrant for a felon in possession of a firearm during Monday’s shootout.
The four officers who fell were identified as Deputy Sheriff Thomas M. Weeks Jr. North Carolina Adult Corrections Department (NCDAC) officers Sam Poloche and William “Alden” Elliott were members of the USMS Fugitive Task Force. and CMPD Police Officer Joshua Eyer. Four other police officers were shot and killed in the line of duty Monday afternoon.
Terry Clark Hughes Jr., 39, fired shots at officers from the front and back of his second-floor home on Galway Drive and died at the scene, Jennings said Monday.
”[I]Jennings tearfully told reporters Tuesday when asked how Monday’s shootout was different from others the department has responded to. , very rapidly. ”
Four law enforcement officers killed, four others injured in shootout shocks Charlotte residents
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings wipes away tears during a press conference Tuesday, April 30, 2024, in Charlotte, North Carolina, about the April 29 shooting that left four officers dead while executing a warrant. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
On Monday, law enforcement, including 12 CMPD officers, responded to a residence on Galway Drive. It is unclear whether the shooting was the work of multiple suspects, and police are investigating whether there was a second shooter and whether additional charges will be filed.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings speaks at a news conference Tuesday, April 30, 2024, in Charlotte, North Carolina, about the April 29 shooting that left four officers dead while executing a warrant. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
Authorities recovered an AR-15 rifle, a .40 caliber handgun, magazines and ammunition from the residence.
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This undated photo provided by the U.S. Marshals Service shows Thomas M. Weeks. Weeks was a deputy U.S. marshal assigned to the Western District of North Carolina and was one of four police officers killed in Charlotte, North Carolina, on April 29, 2024. (U.S. Marshals Service via AP)
A gunfight erupts in North Carolina on Monday, April 29, 2024, and law enforcement is arrested as officers approach a home to serve a warrant for a felon wanted for possession of a firearm. Police said three officers were killed and four others were injured. (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, via Associated Press)
Samuel “Sam” Porosh, 42, was one of four police officers shot and killed while executing a warrant in Charlotte on Monday. (NCDOC)
William “Alden” Elliott, 46, was one of four officers shot and killed while executing a warrant in Charlotte on Monday. (NCDOC)
Mr Jennings said Mr Hughes had an “extensive” criminal history. According to North Carolina public records, the suspect had previously been charged in multiple counties with charges including evading arrest, looting, marijuana possession and manufacturing, driving with an expired registration, and driving while impaired.
“We know this person served a significant amount of time in prison and was released,” Jenning said at a news conference Tuesday. “But I can give you hundreds of examples of people who I think should not be preying on our people, and I’ve been pretty vocal about that, especially when it comes to our youth. What I’m saying is that our system is not completely perfect.”It’s not a completely necessary situation, but I think we’re overwhelmed with our court system. Our District Attorney is overwhelmed by the documents seen in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. This is the answer to that. ”
Charlotte shooting: 4 U.S. Marshals killed, 5 others injured, warrants served
Charlotte residents are in shock after three police officers were killed in a shootout Monday afternoon. (Lives in Charlotte)
Jennings added that his department is “focused” on holding people accountable for crimes committed in Charlotte.
Investigators have collected more than 100 projectiles and shell casings, and the scene is still being processed.
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The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department responds to a shooting in the 5000 block of Galway Drive in East Charlotte, North Carolina on Monday, April 29, 2024. CMPD says people should stay away from the 5000 block of Galway Drive. Active research. (Melissa Melvin Rodriguez/Charlotte Observer/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Two female persons of interest who were in the home at the time of the shooting, including one 17-year-old boy, were taken into custody Monday afternoon and are fully cooperating with police.
It’s unclear exactly how they were related to the gunman, but Jennings said they entered the home voluntarily.
U.S. Marshals Service Chief Ronald Davis speaks during a news conference Tuesday, April 30, 2024, in Charlotte, North Carolina, about the April 29 shooting that left four officers dead while attempting to execute a warrant. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
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“As we learn more and more about this incident, we are not only learning how brave these men were,” USMS Captain Ron Davis said Tuesday. “You’re going to see examples of their courage and intrepidity. Make no mistake, they represent the best of us. They are truly America’s finest, and we’re here to serve alongside them.” I’m truly honored to be able to serve.”
This incident remains an open and active investigation.
