A police officer was shot and killed inside a grocery store in Greensboro Monday morning, according to the Greensboro Police Department.

Police charged Tarell Isaac McMillian, 34, with first-degree murder Tuesday in the killing of Officer Michael Horan. 

The suspect was arrested more than 100 miles away on the Duplin-Sampson county line after a high-speed chase. McMillian appeared before a judge Thursday. He was appointed a public defender and setting a bond was put on hold, so he will remain in jail. 

During his appearance, Mcmillian learned if he is convicted on the first-degree murder charge, he faces the death penalty or life in prison without parole. Mcmillian has several other charges, including ones stemming from a police chase after the shooting. He is charged with two counts of felony flee to allude. 

The judge set McMillian's next court appearance for March. 

The shooting happened at the Food Lion on Lawndale Drive, between Cottage Place and the Greensboro Urban Loop, police said.

Horan responded to a call about a man with a gun inside the grocery store at about 11 a.m., according to Assistant Chief MJ Harris. 

Mcmillian was contracted as an Instacart driver, but it’s unclear if he was working as one at the time of the shooting.

An Instacart spokesperson sent this statement to Spectrum News 1:

"We’re heartbroken to learn of the loss of Officer Michael Horan of the Greensboro Police Department. This kind of violence is truly incomprehensible, and we’re deeply saddened by this devastating event. Our teams are working with law enforcement and the Food Lion team to assist in any way we can in this investigation.”

According to Instacart, Mcmillian is removed from the platform. Instacart also says he underwent a comprehensive background check, and the company prohibits shoppers from carrying weapons.

Horan was a seasoned law enforcement officer.

"He had an outstanding reputation inside the department and out in the community," Harris said of Horan. 

Horan had been with the department since 2018 and worked as a patrol officer in Greensboro's District 4. 

"Together, we are mourning Officer Horan," Harris said. 

After the shooting, officers from neighboring agencies and the state moved in to help.

"I am in contact with local and state law enforcement regarding the shooting involving a Greensboro Police Officer," Gov. Roy Cooper posted to X Monday afternoon. "We have sent significant state law enforcement personnel who are helping with the response."

Lisa Crawford, a corporate communications specialist at Food Lion, said the company was saddened by what happened at the store and were offering resources to support their associates. She also said the store would remain closed while police investigate. 

Horan's death comes days before the anniversary of the last Greensboro police officer killed. Sgt. Philip Dale Nix was shot and killed Dec. 30 at a Sheetz gas station outside of Greensboro. Nix served in law enforcement for 23 years. He was part of the Greensboro Police Department's family victims unit when he died.

Support pouring in 

Agencies and organizations across the state quickly began offering words of condolences and support. 

Annette Ayres, spokeswoman with the Greensboro Police Department, shared a link to a fundraiser, and said all the proceeds will go to Horan's immediate family. 

Beach Haven Beach Patrol in New Jersey said on its Facebook page that Horan was an alumnus there and shared a tribute to him, recounting the time he saved a father and son from drowning while he was vacationing on Emerald Isle. 

"For his heroism, Michael received the Greensboro Police Department's Medical Life Saving Award for 2018. Congratulations Mike, your daughter was lucky enough to see how courageous her father really is in action and should be as proud of you as we all are. Well done Mike!" the group posted on its Facebook page. 

Officers with the North Carolina Fraternal Order of Police shared a statement, saying their hearts were heavy with loss, and called the shooting a "senseless act of violence."

It "is a stark reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face every day while protecting our communities," according to post on the organization's Facebook page. 

"As we reflect on this tragedy, let us also recognize the bravery and dedication of all officers who put their lives on the line to serve and safeguard us. We must continue to support them in their vital work, advocating for their safety and the resources they need to carry out their duties effectively. Together, we can honor their sacrifices and strive for a future where our communities are safe for all," the group posted. 

Police agencies in Charlotte, Raleigh and around the state expressed their sympathies. 

Chief Johnny Jennings with the Charlotte Police Department, an agency that saw tragic loss last spring, offered his condolences. 

"Earlier today, a Greensboro police officer was tragically killed in the line of duty—a hero simply doing his job," he said in part.