Charlotte Shootout: Expert Calls Incident "Highly Unusual" After Four Officers Killed

A former U.S. Marshals task force member describes the deadly Charlotte shootout that left four officers dead as "very unusual." The suspect, who fired from the second floor of a house, had a "higher ground" advantage over responding officers.

A routine law enforcement operation in Charlotte, North Carolina, that left four officers dead is "highly unusual," according to a former U.S. Marshals task force member.

Terry Mikels, a former Durham-based U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) task force officer, expressed his shock at the incident, saying he couldn't recall any similar incident in his 35-year career in law enforcement.

Mikels highlighted the disadvantage faced by officers serving the search warrant for a felon in possession of a firearm. The suspect had a "higher ground," firing from the second floor of the house, both from the front and back sides.

Investigators recovered an AR-15 and a .40-caliber handgun from the scene. Mikels raised concerns about the officers' body armor and ballistic helmets, questioning whether they were strong enough to withstand the suspect's firepower.

The suspect, Terry Clark Hughes Jr., 39, died at the scene Monday. Two additional persons of interest – both female, one only 17 years old – were taken into custody. Authorities are investigating if there are any additional suspects.

Mikels emphasized the need for thorough investigations and preparedness to prevent similar tragedies in the future. He questioned the training and equipment provided to officers on the task force, which consists of members from 16 different agencies.

President Biden visited Charlotte on Thursday to meet with the fallen officers' families and members of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD). He called for additional measures to protect law enforcement officers, including funding and stricter gun control laws.

Chief Jennings thanked Biden for his support and expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community. He noted that the suspect had an "extensive" criminal record, with many of his priors dismissed, raising concerns about the overwhelmed court system.

Jennings clarified that it is unclear if the gunshots came from more than one suspect. Investigators are working to determine if there was a second shooter and whether any additional charges will be filed.

Director Ron Davis of the USMS praised the courage and bravery of the fallen officers, saying they represented "the best of us" and "America's finest."