Terry Clark Hughes Jr opens fire on officers serving warrants, resulting in a tragic confrontation
In a tragic incident that shook Charlotte, North Carolina, shocking video footage has emerged of a shootout that left four law enforcement officers dead. The incident occurred when officers approached the home of Terry Clark Hughes Jr, 39, to serve him warrants for possession of a firearm by a felon and felony flee to elude out of Lincoln County, North Carolina.
As officers approached Hughes’s residence, he opened fire, initiating a deadly exchange. The video, filmed by a resident, captured the chaotic scene, with officers taking cover behind a car in a garage as gunshots rang out. Hughes was fatally shot during the confrontation.
The tragic incident claimed the lives of three members of the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force: Sam Poloche and Alden Elliott from the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections, and Deputy US Marshal Thomas Weeks. Additionally, CMPD officer Joshua Eyer, a six-year veteran, was killed in the line of duty.
Four other officers were injured in the shootout. Officer Chris Tolley underwent surgery and is now in stable condition, while Officers Mike Giglio and Jack Blowers suffered gunshot wounds but were released from the hospital. Officer Joshua Campbell sustained a broken foot and was discharged on Tuesday morning.
Hughes, with a lengthy criminal history, had been in trouble with the law for over 20 years. His rap sheet included charges ranging from aggravated assault to possession of a firearm by a felon. Despite his criminal record, Hughes had spent significant time in jail and had been released.
Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department stated that traditional body armor for police officers could not withstand rifle rounds, explaining the difficulty faced by the officers during the confrontation.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper described the fallen officers as heroes and expressed gratitude for their bravery and service to the community.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are interviewing two individuals who were found inside the residence with Hughes. Although they are cooperating with the investigation and are not considered suspects, the possibility of a second shooter has not been ruled out.
The tragic incident has prompted a surge of support from the community, with a GoFundMe campaign raising over $58,000 to support the families of the fallen officers and those injured in the line of duty
