Charlotte, North Carolina – Tragedy struck in a residential neighborhood in Charlotte, North Carolina, as law enforcement officers attempted to apprehend Terry Clark Hughes Jr., who was wanted for possession of a firearm by an ex-felon and fleeing to elude in Lincoln County. The operation quickly turned deadly when gunfire erupted, resulting in the deaths of four officers and Hughes himself.
The victims 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. In addition to the fatalities, four other officers were wounded in the shootout. An AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, a 40-caliber handgun, and ammunition were recovered at the scene.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings described the harrowing scene, noting the rapid exchange of gunfire that took place. Over 100 rounds were discharged, leaving a devastating impact on the officers. The shootout, which involved at least 12 officers returning fire, highlighted the extreme danger faced by law enforcement personnel.
The incident marked the deadliest day for U.S. law enforcement since 2016, when five officers were killed during a protest in Dallas. Hughes, with a lengthy criminal record dating back over a decade, had a history of run-ins with the law, including previous convictions for various offenses.
While the investigation continued to unfold, residents in the neighborhood expressed shock and fear following the tragic events. The Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force, a collaboration of federal, state, and local agencies, was left reeling from the loss of their colleagues.
As the community grappled with the aftermath of the shootout, officials underscored the selfless bravery displayed by the fallen officers who put their lives on the line to protect their fellow law enforcement members and the community at large. The somber mood in Charlotte reflected the profound impact of the tragedy on the entire nation.
The loss of the officers resonated deeply with law enforcement agencies across the country, with Marshals Service Director Ronald Davis emphasizing the familial bond shared among those in law enforcement. As investigations continued and mourning began, the echoes of the shootout reverberated throughout the neighborhood, leaving a lasting mark on all those touched by the tragedy.