Fourth officer killed in North Carolina standoff ID'd as deputy US marshal
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WJZY) – Authorities released new information about the identities of the eight officers shot Monday, four fatally, during a deadly standoff at a North Carolina residence.
The incident happened around 1:30 p.m. Monday, April 29, in the 5000 block of Galway Drive in east Charlotte.
In total, four members of the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force were shot, with three dying from their injuries. Four Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officers were shot, with one dying Monday night from his injuries, authorities said.
The four law enforcement officers who were killed have been identified as:
- Officer Joshua Eyer, CMPD (Also a sergeant first class in the North Carolina Army National Guard – 211th Military Police Company)
- Samuel Poloche, NC Dept. of Adult Corrections (member of U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force)
- William Elliott, NC Dept. of Adult Corrections (member of U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force)
- Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas M. Weeks Jr. (Assigned to the Western District of North Carolina and supporting the Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force)
"Words simply cannot express the impact of this event," CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings somberly said from the Charlotte City Council Chambers Tuesday morning, a day after the shootout between a suspect and law enforcement officers claimed the life of four servicemembers.
Fourth member of US Marshal Service identified
A deputy U.S. marshal assigned to the Western District of North Carolina and supporting the Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force was one of four officers killed on April 29 as the task force attempted to serve an arrest warrant on a fugitive.
Thomas M. Weeks Jr., 48, of Mooresville, died in the line of duty around 1:30 p.m. when the suspect opened fire on the group of law enforcement officers, killing Weeks and three others.
Several other CMPD officers were injured during the incident.
Weeks was a 13-year veteran of the U.S. Marshals Service, serving in the Western District of North Carolina for the last 10 years.
He was part of the team executing a warrant for the arrest of Terry Clark Hughes Jr., 39, who was wanted for felony fleeing to elude and associated traffic offenses in Lincoln County.
Weeks started his USMS career in February 2011 in the District of Columbia’s Superior Court, Washington, DC. He transferred in November 2014 to Charlotte.
Prior to USMS, he spent eight years with Customs and Border Protection.
More than 100 rounds fired
CMPD Chief Jennings was joined by U.S. Marshals Director, the Honorable Ronald Davis, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, and Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, among others on Tuesday.
"Probably well over 100 rounds were fired," Chief Jennings said while confirming his department will lead the investigation going forward.
Chief Jennings announced an AR-15 assault rifle and a 40-caliber handgun were seized at the scene Monday, with additional magazines and ammunition.
An AR-15 is able to penetrate traditional body armor and allowed the shooter to “unload several rounds towards our officers within a matter of seconds,” said Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings.
Injured officers recovering
Chief Jennings also released additional details on the other CMPD officers injured in Monday's gunfire. A total of eight officers were shot including two who were treated for gunshot wounds and already released. One officer is recovering and in stable condition after undergoing surgery.
- CMPD Officer Chris Tolley: Underwent surgery, in stable condition
- CMPD Officer Mike Giglio: Released from hospital after being shot, injured
- CMPD Officer Jack Blowers: Released from hospital after being shot, injured
- CMPD Officer Justin Campbell: Was not shot, treated at hospital for broken foot
Chief Jennings said 12 CMPD officers fired their weapons during the incident and have been placed on administrative leave pending internal and external investigations.
Deadly day in Charlotte
On Monday, around 1:30 p.m., the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, comprised of officers from multiple agencies, was conducting an investigation at a home in the 5000 block of Galway Drive.
Officers were attempting to serve active felony warrants on Terry Clark Hughes, Jr., who was wanted for felony fleeing to elude and associated traffic offenses out of Lincoln County.
As officers approached, Hughes started shooting, striking multiple officers. Responding officers requested backup, and as more officers responded, gunfire continued, hitting more officers.
Injured law enforcement officers were rushed to Charlotte area hospitals.
Three task force officers were pronounced dead at the hospital. One of the injured CMPD Officers, Joshua Eyer, a 6-year veteran, fought for his life for several hours before passing away.
Hughes came out of the east Charlotte home on Galway Drive Monday evening, armed with a weapon. Law enforcement at the scene fired, striking Hughes in the front yard of the home.
Hughes was pronounced dead at the scene.
Watch Tuesday's news conference in full below:
Two other women who were inside the home, and have not been identified, are cooperating with police, CMPD said on Tuesday. CMPD’s Homicide Unit is conducting the investigation.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.