4 law enforcement officers killed, 4 injured in Charlotte, N.C., shootout

April 29 (UPI) -- Four law enforcement officers -- including three U.S. Marshals -- were killed Monday in a shootout that injured four other officers in a residential area of Charlotte, N.C., authorities said.

One of the injured Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers, who was in critical condition after the shooting, died Monday evening.

"Officer Joshua Eyer has passed away tonight from his injuries after being shot in the line of duty this afternoon, while assisting other officers with the apprehension of a suspect," CMPD wrote Monday night in a post on X.

"Officer Eyer faithfully served the CMPD's North Tryon Division for six years and was a member of the 178th Recruit Class. We are forever indebted to Officer Eyer for his bravery and ultimate sacrifice. His life and service will never be forgotten."

Out of the eight officers shot, four were from the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force with only one surviving the gunfire. Four CMPD officers were also shot, with Eyer his injuries Monday night. The conditions of the injured U.S. Marshals officer and the three CMPD officers remains unknown.

In addition to the officers, one suspect is dead and two "persons of interest" were arrested in connection with the shootings, Chief Johnny Jennings told reporters.

The incident began Monday when a task force headed by U.S. Marshals went to a home in the East Charlotte neighborhood, located about 6 miles east of downtown, to serve an arrest warrant on a charge of illegal possession of a firearm by a felon.

When they arrived, they were met by gunfire, including rounds coming from a high-powered rifle inside the home, which killed the three Marshals, Jennings said.

A suspect was shot dead on the front lawn of the home, he said, adding that police took two people from the residence into custody, including a woman and a 17-year-old.

Jennings said he could not immediately confirm if the woman and 17-year-old were being considered murder suspects.

"We are very early in the investigation," he said. "CMPD will lead this investigation, we still have a lot to uncover, a lot of questions that are not answered right now."

The chief praised the "bravery of our officers that responded to the scene, knowing that they're going into gunfire is what I've been saying for many years, is in the face of danger. Our people step up."

A tearful Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles said she had spoken to the White House, the city's congressional delegation and state legislative leaders in the wake of the tragedy that killed four people.

"They gave us the opportunity to be in a safe place and they lost their lives," Lyles said.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper issued condolences to "the families and co-workers of officers in today's brutal attack, including two state Department of Adult Correction officers working with the US Marshal's Task Force who were shot and killed."

Nearby residents described heavy gunfire and the feeling they had been in a war zone.

"There was a litany of gunfire, just an enormous amount," an unnamed neighbor told The Charlotte Observer, while another told the newspaper, "All of a sudden it sounded like Vietnam out there."

The first indication of trouble came at 1 p.m. EDT when the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department urged people to stay away from an "active investigation" scene in the North Tryon Division.

Later, they indicated that "numerous" law enforcement personnel were struck by gunfire in the 5000 block of Galway Drive, a residential area located in the eastern part of the city.

Roads in that part of Charlotte were blocked to allow ambulance traffic to quickly access the area, police said.

"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," Chief Jennings said in a statement, hours after the shooting.

"The bravery of these officers and all other officers who responded to the scene is unmatched. In the face of danger our people stepped up, committed to their oath to protect and serve," Jennings added.

"The days, months and years that follow this senseless tragedy will undoubtedly be difficult."