On April 29, 2024, a tragic incident unfolded in Charlotte, North Carolina, resulting in the deaths of four law enforcement officers, including 31-year-old Officer Joshua Michael Eyer of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD). The officers were attempting to serve a felony arrest warrant on 39-year-old Terry Clark Hughes Jr. at a residence on Galway Drive when Hughes opened fire with an AR-15 rifle.
Officer Eyer, a six-year veteran of the CMPD and a recent Officer of the Month awardee, was critically injured during the exchange and later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
The confrontation began around 1:30 p.m. when the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, which included CMPD officers, approached Hughes' residence to serve warrants for possession of a firearm by a felon and felony fleeing to elude arrest. As officers neared the home, Hughes fired upon them, leading to a protracted gunbattle lasting approximately 17 minutes. During this time, Hughes moved between multiple windows in the house, discharging his weapon at officers positioned outside. In addition to Officer Eyer, three other officers—Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas Weeks Jr., and North Carolina Department of Adult Correction Officers Samuel Poloche and William Elliott—were fatally wounded. Four other officers sustained injuries but survived.
Following the shootout, Hughes attempted to flee by jumping from a second-story window but was confronted by officers in the front yard, where he was fatally shot. Two female occupants inside the residence were detained for questioning but were later released without charges, as the investigation determined that Hughes acted alone in the assault. Extensive analysis of ballistic evidence and body-camera footage confirmed that there was no friendly fire during the incident; all shots fired at law enforcement were attributed solely to Hughes.
Officer Eyer's death marked a significant loss for the CMPD and the Charlotte community. In addition to his service with the police department, Eyer was a decorated veteran of the North Carolina Army National Guard, having served 12 years, including two deployments to Afghanistan and Kuwait. His commitment to public service was evident in both his military and law enforcement careers, leaving a lasting impact on those who served alongside him.
The April 29 incident stands as one of the deadliest attacks on law enforcement in Charlotte's history, prompting an outpouring of support from the community and a renewed focus on the dangers faced by officers in the line of duty. CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings expressed profound grief over the loss, emphasizing the bravery and dedication exhibited by the fallen officers. The department continues to honor their memory while striving to ensure the safety and security of the Charlotte community.
