It’s been 17 years since a CMPD officer was shot and killed in the line of duty
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — It’s been 17 years since a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officer was shot and killed in the line of duty.
On Monday evening, CMPD released the identity of a CMPD officer who fought for his life for several hours before passing away from his injuries after trying to serve a warrant with several other law enforcement officers part of a U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force investigation.
Over a decade since a CMPD officer shot, killed
CMPD Officer Joshua Eyer, a 6-year veteran and Sergeant First Class in the North Carolina Army National Guard – 211th Military Police Company, died in the hospital Monday evening.
Officer Eyer’s death marks the first time since 2007 that a CMPD officer has been shot and killed. Seventeen years ago, CMPD lost Officers Jeffrey Shelton and Sean Clark.
Both CMPD officers were shot while responding to a disturbance call along Barrington Drive on March 31, 2007. Both officers passed away from their injuries one day later, on April 1.
In January 2018, the York County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina lost Detective Mike Doty. Doty died when a domestic violence suspect ambushed him and three other deputies.
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In May 2019, Mooresville lost Officer Jordan Sheldon. He was killed on May 4, 2019, during a routine traffic stop.
In December 2020, Mount Holly lost Officer Tyler Herndon, just two days shy of his 26th birthday. He was responding to a burglary call at a car wash when he and other officers pursued the suspect and ultimately took on gunfire. Officer Herndon was shot in the stomach and head.
In December 2020, Concord lost Officer Jason Shuping. He was ambushed, shot and killed by a suspect, between Concord Mills and the Charlotte Motor Speedway in a Sonic restaurant parking lot while responding to a crash and possible carjacking in the area. He had just started his career.
Multiple officers shot, four officers killed
Monday’s deadly incident happened around 1:30 p.m. in the 5000 block of Galway Drive in east Charlotte.
The four law enforcement officers who were killed have been identified as:
Officer Joshua Eyer, CMPD (Also a Sergeant First Class in the North Carolina Army National Guard – 211th Military Police Company)
Samuel Poloche, NC Dept. of Adult Corrections (Member of U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force)
William Elliott, NC Dept. of Adult Corrections (Member of U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force)
Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas M. Weeks Jr. (Assigned to the Western District of North Carolina and supporting the Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force)
Watch Tuesday’s procession for CMPD Officer Joshua Eyer below:
On Tuesday, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police released the names and conditions of the four CMPD officers who were injured in the deadly east Charlotte standoff.
CMPD Officer Christopher Tolley: Underwent surgery, in stable condition, hired in May 2006
CMPD Officer Michael Giglio: Released from hospital after shot, injured, hired in Feb. 2021
CMPD Officer Jack Blowers: Released from hospital after shot, injured, hired in Feb. 2023
CMPD Officer Justin Campbell: Treated at hospital for a broken foot, hired in June 2020
Weapons recovered in deadly shooting
CMPD’s Crime Scene Investigation Unit and detectives worked through the night processing the crime scene in the 5000 block of Galway Drive in east Charlotte.
A semi-automatic AR-15 rifle, a 40-caliber handgun, and additional magazines and ammo for both weapons were recovered at the scene.
Charlotte, state, national leaders mourn loss of law enforcement officers killed in standoff
CMPD reported that 12 of their officers fired their service weapons. All 12 officers are on paid, administrative leave, as is standard procedure, while the investigation continues.
Two women who were inside the home, who have not been identified, are fully cooperating with police, CMPD said Tuesday. Detectives are not looking for any additional persons of interest.
The CMPD’s Homicide Unit is investigating this incident.
Watch Tuesday’s news conference in full below:
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