The city of Charlotte, North Carolina, is reeling in the aftermath of a tragic shooting incident that claimed the lives of four law enforcement officers. Among them were two esteemed veterans of the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, Sam Poloche and Alden Elliott, both of whom served with distinction for 14 years. Tasked as officers assigned to the U.S. Marshals Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force, Poloche and Elliott dedicated their careers to upholding the law and protecting their communities.
Poloche, who joined the NCDAC Special Operations and Intelligence Unit in 2013, and Elliott, who followed suit in 2016, brought a wealth of experience to their roles after serving as probation/parole officers. Their commitment to service and unwavering dedication to their duties made them invaluable members of the law enforcement community.
Tragically, their lives were cut short during the harrowing confrontation that unfolded in East Charlotte. Alongside Poloche and Elliott, Officer Joshua Eyer, a six-year veteran of the CMPD’s North Tryon Division, also succumbed to injuries sustained while bravely assisting fellow officers in apprehending the suspect. Officer Eyer’s selfless sacrifice and unwavering courage serve as a testament to the bravery exhibited by law enforcement officers in the line of duty.
The suspect responsible for the deadly rampage, identified as Terry Clark Hughes Jr., aged 39, has since passed away. Hughes, wanted by CMPD on multiple charges including possession of a firearm by a felon and felony fleeing to elude, was engaged by law enforcement officers at a residence on Galway Drive. What began as an attempt to execute a warrant swiftly escalated into a chaotic exchange of gunfire, leaving devastation in its wake.
The rapid succession of events unfolded with alarming intensity, as U.S. Marshals officers arrived to execute the warrant only to be met with “active gunfire” from a high-powered rifle. In the ensuing chaos, additional officers, including four CMPD officers, were injured in the line of duty. The toll of the tragedy reverberated throughout the community, leaving a profound sense of loss and grief in its wake.
Despite the swift and courageous response of law enforcement officers, the incident culminated in the deaths of three U.S. Marshals officers and injuries to several others. The gravity of the situation was compounded by the presence of additional gunfire originating from inside the residence, further escalating the danger faced by officers on the scene.
In the wake of the tragedy, the outpouring of support and condolences from the community has been overwhelming. Sam Poloche and Alden Elliott leave behind grieving families, with Poloche survived by his wife and two children, and Elliott survived by his wife and one child. Their memory is cherished, their service honored, and their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
As the community mourns the loss of these courageous officers and grapples with the aftermath of this senseless act of violence, there is a collective call for healing and unity. Together, we honor their legacy and stand in solidarity with their loved ones, seeking solace in the memories of their selfless dedication to duty and unwavering commitment to serving and protecting their communities.
