Tragic Shootout Leaves Four Police Officers Dead in Charlotte

A shootout in Charlotte, North Carolina, has left three members of a U.S. Marshals Task Force and one CMPD officer dead, while four other officers were injured. Residents in the quiet neighborhood are in shock after the incident erupted into chaos on Monday afternoon.

**Charlotte, North Carolina** - A peaceful Monday afternoon in Charlotte, North Carolina, turned into a scene of tragedy as a shootout erupted, leaving four police officers dead and four others injured. The incident began around 1:30 p.m. when members of a U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force attempted to serve a warrant for firearm possession by a convicted felon on Galway Drive.

Unbeknownst to the officers, the situation would quickly escalate into a deadly encounter. Hours later, authorities confirmed that three task force members and one CMPD officer had been fatally shot, while four other officers were injured.

Residents in the neighborhood, just a few doors down from the scene, witnessed the chaos unfold. Sarah, a neighbor who wished to remain anonymous, described the chilling scene. "There were just an enormous amount of gunshots and people in our yard and people hiding behind vehicles. Firemen hiding behind firetrucks. It was wild," she told Fox News Digital.

Sarah and her husband heard over 50 gunshots amidst the usually tranquil day. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings confirmed that the suspect who fired the initial shots at officers was "deceased in the front yard at the end of all of those."

Authorities believe two other persons of interest, who were taken into custody for further investigation, may have been involved in the shootout. One person of interest is a 17-year-old juvenile, while the other is a woman.

Jordan, another neighbor, described seeing an officer come outside during the shootout and vomiting. He also saw a deceased white male covered in blood being transported into a SWAT vehicle. "It's a fairly safe neighborhood. Lots of families. We're going to be doing movies in the park and some other things," he said of the area.

A third neighbor, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the house where the shootout happened was usually quiet. She also witnessed authorities carrying a bloodied man into a vehicle during the chaotic incident.

"I can't say if it was the officer or a Marshal, but I did see one of them get in the truck but there was blood all over him," she said. "He had on regular clothes. He didn't have one of the uniforms [on]."

In total, eight law enforcement officers were shot. Three officers from the U.S. Marshals Task Force – one deputy and two task force officers – were killed. One Charlotte police officer, Joshua Eyer, a six-year veteran of the police department, succumbed to critical injuries later Monday. Four other officers were wounded, including a U.S. Marshals Task Force officer.

Chief Jennings called the incident "the most tragic one that I've been involved in." "I've been with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for 32 years. I can't remember an incident where three law enforcement officers were [injured] and also three that were killed in the same incident, as well as one in critical condition and additional that were shot and injured," he said.

One CMPD officer remains in critical condition. "Today is a tragic day in Charlotte. Anytime a member of law enforcement is killed or injured in the line of duty, the whole profession hurts," Jennings said in a statement. "My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen officers as well as the other officers who were shot, including 4 of our own CMPD Officers. The bravery of these officers and all other officers who responded to the scene is unmatched."

The U.S. Marshals Service extended their condolences in a statement: "Our hearts are heavy tonight for the lives shattered by today's horrific shooting in Charlotte, NC."

"We mourn the loss of our Deputy and two Task Force Officers. We are grateful for all the support, and we keep the families and colleagues of all officers involved, in our thoughts," the agency added.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the Charlotte community, where residents are mourning the loss of the officers who were protecting their city.