After a terrible shooting incident that killed four police officers, the city of Charlotte, North Carolina, is still in shock. Sam Poloche and Alden Elliott, two distinguished veterans of the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, having served with distinction for fourteen years, were among them. Poloche and Elliott, who were both assigned to the U.S. Marshals Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force, had devoted their lives to serving the public and preventing criminal activity.
After years of experience as probation/parole officers, Poloche (who joined the NCDAC Special Operations and Intelligence Unit in 2013) and Elliott (who followed in 2016) brought a plethora of knowledge to their new positions. Their selflessness and steadfastness in carrying out their responsibilities rendered them indispensable to the community of law enforcement.
The horrific altercation that took place in East Charlotte tragically claimed their lives. In addition to Poloche and Elliott, six-year veteran of the CMPD’s North Tryon Division Officer Joshua Eyer also lost his life from injuries he suffered while heroically aiding his fellow officers in the suspect’s capture. The unfaltering bravery and selfless sacrifice of Officer Eyer are an inspiration to all law enforcement professionals.
Tragically, 39-year-old Terry Clark Hughes Jr., the man accused of the murderous rampage, has already died. Police officers were involved with Hughes at a Galway Drive residence; he is wanted by the CMPD on numerous crimes, including felony fleeing to evade and possession of a pistol by a felon. Devastation followed a tumultuous exchange of gunfire that started as an effort to execute a warrant.
As the U.S. Marshals officers arrived to carry out the warrant execution, they were confronted with “active gunfire” from a powerful rifle, setting in motion a chain reaction of terrifying events. Additional cops, including four CMPD officers, were wounded in the line of duty during the subsequent mayhem. A deep feeling of loss and sorrow was left behind as the tragedy’s impact echoed across the neighborhood.
Three U.S. Marshals officers died and several others were injured in the incident, which occurred despite the quick and brave reaction of law enforcement. The scenario became much more dire when more gunfire rang out from within the house, putting officers on the scene in even more danger.
The community’s support and condolences following the tragedy have been tremendous. Both Sam Poloche and Alden Elliott have bereaved families to contend with; Poloche leaves behind a wife and two children, while Elliott leaves behind a wife and a child. We shall always remember them, appreciate the work they did, and hold their sacrifices in the highest regard.
There is a common cry for healing and unity as the community grieves the deaths of these brave cops and deals with the fallout of this tragic act of violence. In memory of their heroic service and unfaltering resolve to safeguarding the communities they served, we join together to pay tribute to their life and deeds and show our sympathy with their families and friends.