Charlotte, North Carolina – A solemn procession honored fallen officer Joshua Eyer, one of the victims of a tragic shootout with felon Terry Clark Hughes. The incident, which occurred on Monday, resulted in the deaths of four officers, including Eyer. Hughes, who was wanted for possession of a firearm by a felon and two counts of felony fleeing, fired over 100 rounds at law enforcement officers outside his residence before being fatally shot during the exchange.
The fallen officers were identified as Samuel Poloche and William Elliot of the North Carolina Department of Corrections, Thomas Weeks, a deputy U.S. Marshal, and Joshua Eyer of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. The community came together to pay tribute to Eyer, starting from a procession at the CMPD headquarters that concluded at the First Baptist Church in uptown Charlotte for a memorial service.
Heartbreaking images from the service show Eyer’s three-year-old son, Andrew, waving to a picture of his late father as his mother, Ashley Eyer, held him close. During the funeral, Ashley delivered a moving speech, expressing the deep bond she shared with her husband and highlighting the love he had for his family.
The emotional gathering saw law enforcement officers providing support to one another, reflecting on the loss of their colleague. Bystanders lined the streets as a horse-drawn carriage carried Eyer’s body to the church, symbolizing the community’s unity in honoring his memory.
The incident unfolded after a neighbor captured footage of a tense exchange between police and gunmen, shedding light on the bravery and sacrifice of those involved in the shootout. Despite the risks they faced, officers responded with courage and determination to protect the community, ultimately confronting the armed suspect in a harrowing confrontation.
The tragic events serve as a reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face daily in the line of duty, showcasing their unwavering dedication to serving and protecting their communities. As the community mourns the loss of these brave individuals, their legacy lives on through the impact they made and the lives they touched during their service.