Charlotte, North Carolina – Law enforcement officers in North Carolina faced a deadly ambush while trying to apprehend a wanted man in a suburban Charlotte neighborhood. The officers were met with gunfire from upstairs in a house as they attempted to capture Terry Clark Hughes Jr., 39, who was a suspect in possession of a firearm by an ex-felon and fleeing to elude charges in Lincoln County, North Carolina.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, marked the deadliest attack on U.S. law enforcement officers since 2016. Four officers lost their lives in the shootout, identified as Sam Poloche and William Elliott from the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Officer Joshua Eyer, and Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas Weeks. Four other officers were injured during the confrontation, which also resulted in the death of the suspect, Terry Clark Hughes Jr.
The shootout involved the use of an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, a 40-caliber handgun, and ammunition. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings noted that the AR-15 possessed by the suspect allowed him to rapidly fire multiple rounds at the officers, posing a significant threat even when they took cover.
More than 100 spent rounds were discovered at the scene, indicating the intensity of the gunfire exchange. Investigators found that at least 12 officers discharged their weapons during the incident. While initial reports suggested a second shooter, authorities later stated that they were still investigating the possibility.
The neighborhood where the incident occurred was subjected to a three-hour standoff, with armored vehicles eventually breaching the house to end the confrontation. Witnesses described a chaotic scene with multiple gunshots and a significant police presence in the usually quiet residential area.
Throughout the ordeal, officers displayed remarkable bravery, with some risking their lives to protect their colleagues under fire. The tragic event has shaken the law enforcement community, with officials expressing grief and admiration for the fallen and injured officers.
The Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force, comprised of federal, state, and local agencies, is now mourning the loss of their colleagues. The Director of the U.S. Marshals Service, Ronald Davis, emphasized the familial bond among task force members, likening the loss of a deputy or officer to losing a family member.
As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the shootout, the community in Charlotte is left mourning the loss of dedicated law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting their community.