A Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer, injured in a shootout Monday afternoon, died Monday evening, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Chief Johnny Jennings, who delivered the news at a media conference.
Officer Joshua Eyer was killed, Jennings said.
After his passing, CMPD paid tribute to Eyer on X Monday night saying in part, "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. Please say a prayer for Officer Eyer’s loved ones during this difficult time.”
U.S. Marshals and other law enforcement were serving a warrant for a felon in possession of a firearm when they were met with gunfire around 1:30 p.m. at a house on the 5000 block of Galway Drive, Jennings said.
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'We lost heroes': Four law enforcement officers killed, others hurt in shootout
Officers exchanged gunfire with a suspect, who was armed with a "high-powered" rifle, Jennings said. Three U.S. Marshals were killed, and four other officers were hurt in the shooting.
The shooting led to impacts for the typically calm neighborhood, located near Uptown. Several schools close by were on modified lockdowns, and roadways nearby were closed or blocked as police investigated for several hours before declaring the neighborhood safe again.
Earlier Monday evening, Gov. Roy Cooper spoke outside Atrium Health. He said two of the officers killed worked in a state prison as corrections officers and also worked as U.S. Marshals. He said the other officer killed was a U.S. Marshal solely, and not involved with other law enforcement.
He said many people, including President Joe Biden, had contacted him to express their condolences.
"When a law enforcement officer puts on that shield in the morning and heads out the door, their family members dread the phone call – the very call that came today. It’s like losing a piece of your soul. To the families of those we lost: Jill and I, and all Americans, are here for you. And we will always be here for you," he said in a statement.