CHARLOTTE, N.C. – After a month of investigation, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department revealed that the fatal shooting of four law enforcement officers was carried out by a lone gunman. This incident, which occurred on April 29 in a residential neighborhood, resulted in the deaths of four officers and injuries to four others, marking the deadliest shooting against law enforcement in North Carolina since 2016.
Authorities confirmed that 39-year-old Terry Clark Hughes Jr. was solely responsible for the casualties. Hughes, who was wanted in Lincoln County, was fatally shot by law enforcement officers from a U.S. Marshals Task Force as they attempted to serve warrants at a home.
Deputy Chief Tonya Arrington emphasized that there was no friendly fire during the incident, dispelling initial concerns that there might have been multiple shooters involved. The investigation concluded that Hughes acted alone and directed the female occupants of the home to stay low or evacuate before exchanging gunfire with officers.
The intense gunbattle lasted over 17 minutes, during which at least 12 officers fired their weapons. Hughes, armed with an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle and a 40-caliber handgun, eventually jumped out of a second-floor window and was shot in the front yard by officers as he tried to flee.
Police responded cautiously following the shooting, deploying an armored vehicle to evacuate wounded officers. Despite initial suspicions of a second shooter, no evidence of additional firearms or shooters was found in the house. The investigation involved extensive collection and analysis of evidence, including video footage, officer interviews, and physical evidence.
The fallen officers were identified as Sam Poloche and William Elliott of the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Officer Joshua Eyer, and Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas Weeks. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings described the incident as the most tragic in the department’s history, emphasizing the resilience and commitment of the officers in the face of adversity.
As authorities continue to process the aftermath of the shooting, the community mourns the loss of the dedicated law enforcement officers and reflects on the dangers faced by those who serve and protect. The investigation into the incident sheds light on the risks and challenges that law enforcement officers encounter in the line of duty, underscoring the importance of safety and support for those who bravely confront danger to uphold the law.