3 US Marshals killed, 5 officers hurt, 1 suspect dead in east Charlotte shooting

CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Three US Marshals were shot and killed, four Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officers were shot and injured, and an officer from an assisting agency was hurt during a US Marshals Task Force investigation in east Charlotte Monday afternoon.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police said among the four officers injured, one is in critical condition.

One of the suspects involved was shot and killed by law enforcement at the house.

Today, we tragically lost 3 U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force members in the line of duty. Five additional officers were struck by gunfire. This includes four CMPD officers and an additional officer from an assisting agency. One of our CMPD officers is still in critical condition.

The heroic actions of these officers are a testament to the dangers our law enforcement officers face daily. Today, some of our fellow colleagues made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety and protection of our community. We are grateful for the bravery shown by all officers and outpouring responses from our neighboring agencies.

CHARLOTTE-MECKLENBURG POLICE

New neighbor video shows the chaotic scene. Watch below here:

“We are going to diligently work on this to bring respect to these officers and law enforcement officials that lost their lives today,” CMPD Police Chief Jennings said. “When we put on this uniform, we don’t have any guarantees that we’re going to return home. We have lots of great men and women who do it every single day to make sure you’re safe in your communities.”

Several flowers have been placed outside the US Marshals headquarters in Charlotte and the American flag outside the building has been lowered to half-staff.

CMPD issued a ‘severe alert’ around 1:30 p.m. on Monday, April 29, after numerous law enforcement officers were struck by gunfire. The SWAT situation broke out in the 5000 block of Galway Drive. CMPD said the scene on Galway Drive is now clear, and the area is safe.

“Residents no longer need to shelter in place,” CMPD said just before 5 p.m.

Authorities said one shooting suspect, who they were attempting to serve a warrant on for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, was fatally shot in the yard by law enforcement.

CMPD is now questioning two others, a 17-year-old boy and an adult woman, who were inside the east Charlotte home.

“CMPD and other law enforcement agencies will be at the scene to conduct the investigation. Some roadways in the neighborhood will remain closed. Please remain patient,” CMPD said.

An original police call made over the radio on Monday, April 29, indicated several officers were shot and injured during a barricade situation.

According to CMPD, the US Marshals Task Force, which is made up of officers from multiple agencies, was conducting an investigation in the area when a suspect began shooting at them.

CMPD said multiple law enforcement officers were rushed to nearby hospitals in Charlotte. Heavy police activity could be observed at Atrium Main, the region’s Level 1 trauma center.

Atrium Health released the following statement:

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred today involving multiple law enforcement officers. Our Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center emergency department teammates immediately began providing care to the injured. We have also been extending emotional support to their families and colleagues.”

A spokesperson with Novant Health reports it is “business as usual” at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center. The hospital was not on lockdown.

Novant Health released the following statement:

“This is a devastating day for our Charlotte community. While our hope is that we never have to encounter these tragic events, we stand ready to provide the highest quality care to our patients. We have mobilized our care teams and resources in response to this developing situation. As a designated trauma center, our teams engage in comprehensive training drills and exercises to ensure our teams are ready to respond to scenarios like this one.”

Following the initial shooting Monday afternoon, “gunfire continued” in the area as CMPD’s SWAT team worked to take those involved into custody before the area was deemed safe

CMPD and Meck County units rush to the scene

Multiple CMPD patrol units and Mecklenburg County Sheriff units were spotted speeding towards the crime scene on Monday afternoon.

The York County Sheriff’s Office has offered their assistance, stating, “The YCSO stands ready to assist our brothers and sisters at CMPD in any way we can. Sheriff Kevin Tolson and our staff are monitoring the situation and praying for nothing but positive outcomes for all officers involved.”

Multiple roads shut down following shooting

Many roads closed Monday afternoon for faster ambulance transport, CMPD explained. Officers were observed directing traffic at The Plaza and Sugar Creek Road intersection.

CATS issued several closures stating, “Expect delays along the Gold Line due to emergency vehicles blocking the tracks from Elizabeth and Hawthorn to Sunnyside Station. A bus bridge has been requested between CTC and Sunnyside.”

CATS riders should also expect delays along bus routes, officials said.

I-77 North has reopened near Charlotte at Exit 9, NC 160 / I-277 North / US 74 West, following earlier police activity. However, 6 miles of congestion remain in the area, NCDOT said.

Lockdown lifted at several Charlotte schools

“We have just received the all-clear from CMPD for the CMS schools that were placed in lockdown,” Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools said Monday afternoon. “Those schools are Devonshire ES, Briarwood Academy, Cochrane Collegiate, and Lawrence Orr ES. The lockdown has been lifted. The schools will begin or continue dismissal.”

Counseling support will be offered at the schools that went into lockdown and resources will be provided to families and staff to help them cope, CMS said.

Local and state officials offer support

“I am deeply saddened by the shooting that occurred that involved Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers and US Marshals today,” Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyes said. “I ask that all Charlotteans keep them, the other injured officers, and their families in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.

“I am in contact with law enforcement concerning the tragic shooting in the Charlotte area, and we have offered state resources to help,” Gov. Roy Cooper said.

“The active and violent situation being reported out of Charlotte is awful. My heart goes out to those impacted and my deep gratitude to the CMPD and other law enforcement for all their efforts to keep people safe. I’m praying for the best,” Josh Stein said, who is running for governor in North Carolina.

At this time, details are limited as to what the US Marshals Task Force was investigating in east Charlotte before gunfire broke out in the area, killing several law enforcement officers.