Charlotte, North Carolina – Four law enforcement officers tragically lost their lives in a shooting incident while serving a fugitive arrest warrant in Charlotte, North Carolina. The officers were met with gunfire from the suspect, identified as Terry Clark Hughes Jr, 39, who was wanted for possession of a firearm by a felon and felony flee to elude charges in Lincoln County.
During the exchange of gunfire, Hughes was fatally shot. Two individuals found in the home are cooperating with the investigation and are not considered suspects, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Chief Johnny Jennings. Among the fallen officers were members of the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force and CMPD Officer Joshua Eyer.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities not ruling out the possibility of a second shooter involved in the incident. Recovered from the scene were an AR-15 rifle, a 40-caliber handgun, and over 500 rounds of projectiles and casings.
While three of the injured officers have been discharged from the hospital, one remains in stable condition. The community has rallied together, with a GoFundMe campaign surpassing $40,000 to support those affected by this tragic event.
Hughes, who had a history of drug-related offenses, was known to law enforcement prior to the fatal encounter. Questions surround his release and presence on the streets, prompting CMPD Chief Jennings to acknowledge systemic shortcomings in the criminal justice system.
Further updates from the investigation and statements from officials, including North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, underscore the impact of the incident on the community and law enforcement community at large. As the city mourns the loss of these brave officers, the search for answers and justice continues.