Report: 4 law enforcement officers killed, 4 hurt in Charlotte shootout

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV/WCSC) - Three U.S. Marshal task force officers and a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officer were killed during a shooting, that stemmed from a fugitive warrant operation on Monday afternoon.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department shared an update on the officer who was previously in critical condition Monday night. The department shared that Officer Joshua Eyer had died from his injuries.

Eyer had been with the department for six years.

During a news conference Monday afternoon, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings said the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force was called to a home around 1:50 p.m. on Galway Avenue to serve a warrant for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

When they arrived, they were met by gunfire. The officers returned fire, killing one suspect who was later pronounced dead in the front yard of the home.

Two people were found in the home and were taken to the police station as persons of interest.

Authorities then faced gunfire coming from inside the home, leading to a standoff. Two people were found in the home and were taken to the police station as persons of interest.

Jennings said a total of eight officers were shot, four with the U.S. Marshal’s Task Force, and four with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Three were killed, one of whom was confirmed to be a U.S. Marshal by that service.

Watch the full news conference below:

“Today is an absolutely tragic day for the city of Charlotte and the profession of law enforcement,” Jennings said. “Today, we lost some heroes that were out just simply trying to keep our community safe.”

Gov. Roy Cooper tweeted, stating he was in contact with law enforcement “concerning the tragic shooting in the Charlotte area, and we have offered state resources to help.”

Mayor Vi Lyles issued the following statement regarding the shooting: “I am deeply saddened by the shooting that occurred that involved Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers and US Marshals today. I ask that all Charlotteans keep them, the other injured officers, and their families in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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