CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings has confirmed the identity of the fourth fallen officer as Deputy US Marshal Thomas Weeks.
On April 29, tragedy struck as a Deputy U.S. Marshal, serving in the Western District of North Carolina and assisting the Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force, was among four officers who lost their lives during an attempt to execute an arrest warrant on a fugitive in Charlotte, North Carolina. Thomas M. Weeks Jr., aged 48, from Mooresville, North Carolina, was killed in the line of duty around 1:30 p.m. on April 29, when the suspect opened fire on the group of law enforcement officers, resulting in the fatalities of Weeks and three others, with several more officers sustaining injuries.
Weeks, a veteran of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) for 13 years, had served in the Western District of North Carolina for the last decade. He was part of the team tasked with executing a warrant for the arrest of Terry Clark Hughes Jr., aged 39, wanted for possession of a firearm by a felon in Lincoln County. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has taken charge of the investigation into the incident.
Weeks commenced his career with the USMS in February 2011 at the District of Columbia’s Superior Court in Washington, DC, before transferring to Charlotte, NC, in November 2014. Prior to his service with the USMS, he had an eight-year tenure with Customs and Border Protection.
He is survived by his wife and four children.
Here’s the latest on the four injured CMPD officers:
- Chris Talley underwent surgery for a gunshot wound (GSW) and is currently recuperating in the hospital.
- Mike Giglio was treated for a gunshot wound and has been discharged.
- Jack Blowers was treated for a gunshot wound and has also been discharged.
- Joshua Campbell received treatment for a broken foot and has since been discharged.
Recovered at the scene were an AR-15, a .40 caliber handgun, and ammunition.
Chief Jennings reported that the two women found inside the residence are fully cooperating with the investigation.
Sam Poloche and Alden Elliott, both veterans of the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction with 14 years of service, tragically lost their lives in the shooting.
They were both task force officers assigned to the U.S. Marshals Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force.
Poloche joined the NCDAC Special Operations and Intelligence Unit in 2013, while Elliott joined in 2016, each after serving several years as probation/parole officers.
Officer Joshua Eyer succumbed to his injuries sustained earlier today while assisting fellow officers in apprehending a suspect.
Officer Eyer faithfully served the CMPD’s North Tryon Division for six years and was a member of the 178th Recruit Class. We deeply honor Officer Eyer for his courage and ultimate sacrifice, and his life and dedicated service will always be remembered.
Please keep Officer Eyer’s loved ones in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate through this challenging time.
In a statement, Todd Ishee, NC Secretary of Adult Correction, expressed that Sam and Alden were deeply dedicated to their work and held a strong passion for their roles in safeguarding our communities.
Sam is survived by his wife and two children, while Alden and his wife are parents to one child. These officers demonstrated heroism and made the ultimate sacrifice in their service to our state. Their memory is cherished, their service honored, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to their families and friends. Let us join together in prayer, seeking healing for all those impacted by this tragic incident.
According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, a suspect has been pronounced dead, and two individuals of interest are currently in police custody for questioning.
The individual identified as Terry Clark Hughes, Jr., aged 39, who was involved in the deaths of four officers, has passed away.
Mr. Hughes was wanted by CMPD for charges including Possession of a Firearm by a Felon and Felony Fleeing to Elude (2 counts) in Lincoln County, North Carolina, as per CMPD news.
