Charlotte Police Chief: Officers Killed in Shootout a "Horrific" Tragedy

In a heartbreaking press conference, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings expressed profound sorrow and disbelief over the senseless loss of four officers who were killed in a shootout while serving a warrant on Monday.

Charlotte, North Carolina – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Chief Johnny Jennings struggled to contain his emotions during a Tuesday press conference, recounting the tragic deaths of four officers during a shootout while serving a warrant for a felon in possession of a firearm.

The fallen officers have been identified as Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas M. Weeks Jr.; North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (NCDAC) Officers Sam Poloche and William "Alden" Elliot, who were members of a USMS Fugitive Task Force; and CMPD Officer Joshua Eyer.

Four additional officers were shot and injured in the line of duty Monday afternoon. Suspect Terry Clark Hughes Jr., 39, died at the scene after firing at officers from the second floor of his Galway Drive home, on both the front and back sides.

"It's just been very tough," Jennings told reporters through tears Tuesday when asked how Monday's shootout compared to others his department has responded to. "Knowing that you have families that are hurting right now – we'll get through it, though, very rapidly."

Law enforcement, including 12 CMPD officers, returned fire at the house on Galway Drive Monday. It remains unclear if the gunshots came from more than one suspect, and police continue to investigate the possibility of a second shooter and any additional charges.

Authorities recovered an AR-15 rifle, a 40-caliber handgun, magazines, and ammunition from the residence.

Hughes had an "extensive" criminal history, according to Jennings. North Carolina public records indicate the suspect had previously been charged with eluding arrest, looting, marijuana possession and manufacturing, driving with an expired registration, driving while impaired, and more out of several different counties.

"I know this individual did serve a significant amount of time in jail and had been released," Jennings said during the Tuesday press conference. "But I can give you hundreds of examples of people that I feel like should not be out preying upon our citizens, and I've been pretty vocal about that, particularly with juveniles. What I'll say is that our system is not completely where it needs to be, but I really think we're overwhelmed. We're overwhelmed in the court system. Our district attorney is overwhelmed with the docket that we see within Charlotte-Mecklenburg, and I don't have an answer for that."

Jennings emphasized that his department remains focused on holding people accountable for the crimes they commit in Charlotte. The scene of the shooting is still being processed as investigators collect projectiles and casings from what is believed to have been more than 100 rounds fired.

Two female persons of interest – including a 17-year-old juvenile who were present in the house at the time of the shooting, were taken into custody Monday afternoon and are cooperating with police. Their relationship to the shooter is unknown.

Ronald Davis, Director of the United States Marshals Service, spoke at Tuesday's press conference. "As more and more comes out about this incident, not only when you see how brave they were," Davis said. "You will see examples of their courage and bravery. Let there be no mistake. They represent the best of us. They are truly America's finest, and it's just an honor to serve with them."

The case remains an open and active investigation.