(DailyAnswer.org) – A tragic shooting at a Food Lion store in Greensboro, North Carolina, claimed the life of a police officer just days before Christmas. Officer Michael Horan, 44, was killed on Monday morning while responding to a 911 call about a suspicious and possibly armed man inside the store.
Horan, the first to arrive at the scene, confronted the man, according to a release from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). During a brief struggle, the man pulled out a gun and shot Horan, who had no chance to draw his own weapon. The suspect then fled the scene in a car around 11 a.m.
The incident triggered a massive manhunt. Authorities located the suspect nearly two hours later in Johnston County, leading to a pursuit involving deputies from Johnston and Sampson Counties. The chase ended on Interstate 40 near the Duplin County line when the North Carolina State Highway Patrol used a PIT maneuver to stop the car. The suspect, whose name has not yet been released, was arrested without further incident. Charges are expected as the investigation continues.
Officer Horan, described by his department as a devoted husband and father, joined the Greensboro Police Department in 2018. A department spokesperson praised Horan’s dedication and urged the public to keep his loved ones in their thoughts and prayers.
The Food Lion store on Lawndale Drive, where the shooting occurred, remains closed. The company expressed its sorrow in a statement, offering condolences to Horan’s family and support to employees during this difficult time.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper also responded to the tragedy, stating on social media that he is working closely with state and local law enforcement. Significant state resources have been deployed to assist with the investigation.
This heartbreaking loss has shaken the Greensboro community, highlighting the daily risks faced by law enforcement officers. As authorities continue their work, the community mourns a life dedicated to service and protection.
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