Deputy US Marshal Thomas Weeks has been identified as the fourth officer to fall, according to CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings.
Tragically, four cops were killed on April 29 in an attempt to catch a fugitive in Charlotte, North Carolina. One of them was a deputy US marshal from the Western District of North Carolina who was helping the Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force. Mooresville, North Carolina resident Thomas M. Weeks Jr., 48, was one of four law enforcement officers killed and numerous others wounded in the line of duty at approximately 1:30 p.m. on April 29. The suspect had opened fire on the group, killing Weeks and three others.
Weeks, a thirteen-year veteran of the United States Marshals Service (USMS), had spent the past ten years assigned to the Western District of North Carolina. Terry Clark Hughes Jr., 39, was wanted in Lincoln County for felon possession of a firearm, and he was part of the squad that was assigned the responsibility of carrying out the warrant for Hughes’s arrest. The incident is now being investigated by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
Although he moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, in November 2014, Weeks began his USMS career in February 2011 at the DC Superior Court in Washington, DC. He had been in Customs and Border Protection for eight years before joining the USMS.
His family includes his wife and four kids.
What has happened to the four CMPD officers who were hurt recently?
- Chris Talley is now resting in the hospital after undergoing surgery to treat a gunshot wound (GSW).
- After receiving treatment for a gunshot wound, Mike Giglio was released from the hospital.
- Jack Blowers, who sustained a gunshot wound, has also been released from the hospital.
- After undergoing treatment for a fractured foot, Joshua Campbell was eventually released from the hospital.
- An assault rifle, a handgun with a.40 caliber, and ammo were all found at the site.
The two ladies who were discovered inside the apartment are reportedly helping with the investigation, according to Chief Jennings.
The shooting unfortunately claimed the lives of Alden Elliott and Sam Poloche, two veterans with fourteen years of service to the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction.
Each was a member of the United States Marshals’ Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force.
Elliott and Poloche both served as probation/parole officers for a period before joining the NCDAC Special Operations and Intelligence Unit in 2016 and 2013, respectively.
Officer Joshua Eyer passed away due to complications from wounds he sustained earlier today while assisting other officers in the arrest of a suspect.
As a dedicated member of the 178th Recruit Class, Officer Eyer served for six years with the CMPD’s North Tryon Division. The life and heroic sacrifice of Officer Eyer will be remembered in perpetuity, and we are profoundly grateful to him.
The family and friends of Officer Eyer need your support as they face this difficult time.
Secretary of Adult Correction for North Carolina Todd Ishee released a statement praising Sam and Alden, saying they were “wildly committed” to their jobs and “fervently passionate” about protecting our communities.
In addition to Alden and his wife’s one child, Sam’s wife and two children also survive him. In their bravery and devotion to our nation, these policemen gave their lives for the cause. Their sacrifice is remembered, their legacy is preserved, and our deepest sympathies are extended to those who have lost a loved one. Please join me in praying for the healing of all people affected by this terrible event.
Two persons of interest are presently being held for interrogation by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, and a suspect has been pronounced deceased, according to them.
The 39-year-old suspect in the shooting killings of four police officers has reportedly died. His identity is Terry Clark Hughes, Jr.
According to CMPD news, Mr. Hughes was wanted by the police in Lincoln County, North Carolina, on accusations including Two Felonies Fleeing to Elude and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon (4 counts).