Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings describes the horrific shootout that resulted in the deaths of four officers, highlighting the suspect's extensive criminal history and the ongoing investigation.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings has expressed his profound grief and the horror of the senseless loss of four officers in a brutal shootout while serving a warrant on Monday.
"This is the most horrific thing I've seen in my career," Jennings said, visibly shaken. "It's hard to put into words the pain and devastation that we feel."
The fallen officers have been identified as CMPD Officer Joshua Eyer, Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas M. Weeks Jr., and North Carolina Department of Adult Correction Officers Sam Poloche and William "Alden" Elliott. Another four officers were injured in the gunfire.
Suspect Terry Clark Hughes Jr., 39, died at the scene, having fired over 100 rounds at the officers from his Galway Drive home. Investigators recovered an AR-15 and a .40-caliber handgun from the scene.
Jennings revealed that Hughes had an "extensive" criminal record in multiple counties, having spent significant time in jail. Authorities are investigating whether there were any additional shooters involved.
The chief praised the officers for their bravery and sacrifice, describing them as "heroes who died protecting our community." Officer Eyer, a husband and father to a one-year-old son, was remembered by his best friend as a selfless and compassionate individual who would always go the extra mile to help others.
Eyer's wife, Ashley, shared her love and gratitude for her husband, vowing to carry on his legacy by raising their son to understand the values he lived by.
"Joshua, thank you for giving me a beautiful life and our beautiful son. We won't let you down, OK?" she said.
Hundreds of officers and community members gathered for a procession and memorial service for Officer Eyer in downtown Charlotte. The community showed its support and shared their condolences with the families of the fallen officers.
Memorial services for Deputy Marshal Weeks and Officers Poloche and Elliott have yet to be announced.
Chief Jennings emphasized the need for additional support for law enforcement to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
"We need more resources, more support, and more action to address the ongoing violence," he said. "The safety and well-being of our officers and our community depend on it."
President Biden visited Charlotte on Thursday to meet with the families of the fallen officers and members of CMPD. He expressed his condolences and pledged support in combating gun violence and protecting law enforcement officers.
"Enough is enough," Biden said. "We must do more to keep our communities safe and honor the sacrifices of these brave officers."
The Charlotte Police Department and the community are in mourning, seeking solace and healing amidst this profound loss. The investigation into the incident continues, and the full extent of the tragedy remains to be fully understood.
