North Carolina police officer shot and killed by gunman at grocery store | Law Enforcement Today

GREENSBORO, NC - During the morning hours on Monday, December 23rd, a Greensboro police officer was fatally shot after an armed gunman opened fire inside of a Food Lion grocery store.

According to Fox News, 44-year-old Greensboro Police Officer Michael Horan was the first to arrive on scene after a 911 call was made about a suspicious man who was possibly armed inside of the store. As if this writing, the circumstances regarding what led to the shooting are being investigated. However, the Greensboro Police Department (GPD) now have a suspect in custody. 

A news release from the North Carolina Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is leading the investigation into the incident and said that after a brief struggle, the man pulled out a gun and shot Officer Horan before fleeing the scene. The incident happened around 11:00 a.m. just a few days before Christmas. The release said that Officer Horan "did not have time to draw or fire his weapon."

Nearly two hours after the incident, the suspect was taken into custody at the Sampson-Duplin County line. The Duplin County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) posted on Facebook that the suspect was taken into custody after a high-speed pursuit. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol stopped the car on I-40 near the Duplin County line using a PIT maneuver. The suspect, who has yet to be identified, was taken into custody without further incident.

Governor Roy Cooper released a statement regarding the shooting. On X, he posted, "I am in contact with local and state law enforcement regarding the shooting involving a Greensboro Police Officer. We have sent significant state law enforcement personnel who are helping with the response."

Authorities said that charges against the suspect are pending. The SBI is leading the investigation at the request of the Guilford County District Attorney. Several police vehicles later escorted Officer Horan's body Monday night following the shooting. GPD described Officer Horan as a loving husband and father with an "outstanding reputation" within the department and community. Horan was hired by GPD in September 2017 and was sworn in as an officer in early 2018.

Officer Horan received the GPD's Medical Life Saving Award in 2018 after swimming to rescue two people trapped in a rip current on Emerald Island, including a man and his 12-year-old son. He also served in the Coast Guard. A spokesperson for the department said in a statement, "We ask that you please keep his family, friends, and fellow officers in your thoughts and prayers." GPD has started a memorial fund with 100 percent of the proceeds to benefit Officer Horan's immediate family. 

A Food Lion spokesperson expressed condolences in a statement, saying, "Food Lion is deeply saddened by the tragedy that occurred at our store located at 4709 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro. We express our deepest condolences to the officer's family and friends." Food Lion noted that it is cooperating with authorities and the store will remain closed as the investigation continues. The statement read, "We are providing resources and support to our associates during this difficult time."