Charlotte, North Carolina – Four law enforcement officers tragically lost their lives in a shooting incident that shocked the community. The incident unfolded as officers approached the home of Terry Clark Hughes Jr, a 39-year-old wanted for possession of a firearm by a felon and other felony charges out of Lincoln County. Hughes opened fire on the officers as they attempted to serve him warrants, resulting in a fatal exchange of gunfire.
Video footage captured by a resident showed the intense shootout, with two officers lying wounded behind a car in a garage. The sound of multiple gunshots filled the air as chaos ensued. The situation escalated when Hughes, positioned on an elevated level inside the house, engaged in a fierce gun battle with law enforcement.
In the aftermath, three members of the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force, Sam Poloche, Alden Elliott, and Deputy US Marshal Thomas Weeks, along with CMPD officer Joshua Eyer, lost their lives in the line of duty. Four other officers sustained injuries during the exchange, with three already discharged from the hospital and one remaining in stable condition.
The incident shed light on Hughes’ extensive criminal history, which included previous arrests for aggravated assault, firearm possession, and other serious charges over the span of two decades. Despite spending time behind bars, Hughes continued to be involved in criminal activities, leading to the tragic events that unfolded in Charlotte.
As the community grapples with the loss of these brave officers, a sense of unity and support has emerged, showcased by the outpouring of donations through a GoFundMe campaign to assist the affected families. The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face daily and the impact of gun violence in communities across the country.