Officer’s Death in Greensboro: Unraveling the Investigation and Charges

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Officer Michael Horan’s fatal shooting during a police response in Greensboro has left the community searching for answers.

At a Glance

  • Police Officer Michael Horan was shot and killed responding to a call about an armed suspect.
  • Tarell Isaac McMillian has been charged with first-degree murder following the shooting.
  • The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is leading an ongoing investigation.
  • Officer Horan, honored for prior heroism, is mourned by the community.

Officer Down: The Events at Food Lion

Officer Michael Horan, a dedicated member of the Greensboro Police Department, was shot and killed while responding to a report about a gunman at a local Food Lion supermarket. The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Tarell Isaac McMillian, allegedly shot Horan after a brief struggle during which Horan was unable to draw his weapon. McMillian now faces charges of first-degree murder as the investigation unfolds led by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.

McMillian was apprehended after a high-speed vehicle pursuit that ended in Duplin County, approximately 150 miles from the crime scene. He is currently held in Guilford County Jail without bond. This tragic incident brings the total to 43 homicides in Greensboro for the current year, a somber statistic that underscores ongoing concerns about violent crime in the area.

Honoring Officer Michael Horan’s Legacy

Officer Michael Horan, a former U.S. Coast Guard member and life-saving hero, joined the Greensboro Police Department in 2017 with a reputation for bravery. In 2019, Horan saved a man and his son from a rip current, an act that illustrated his selfless courage. His dedication was echoed by Assistant Police Chief Milford J. Harris, who lauded him as an “excellent officer” with an “outstanding reputation” in the department and community alike.

“He was an excellent officer. He had an outstanding reputation inside the department and in the community.” – Assistant Police Chief Milford J. Harris

The tributes continue from across the state, including from North Carolina’s Governor Roy Cooper, who expressed his gratitude for Horan’s “brave, dedicated service.” In the wake of this tragedy, the Greensboro Police Officers Association has initiated a memorial fund that has already raised tens of thousands to support Horan’s grieving family.

A Community in Mourning

The heart of Greensboro is aching as the community rallies around the family of Officer Horan and the local police department. City Manager Trey Davis articulates the collective grief by stating, “To put it simply, we’re heartbroken.” The Food Lion store remains shuttered as investigations continue, with the company extending aid to its staff. Community members, law enforcement partners, and even those who knew Horan from his time with the Beach Haven Beach Patrol in New Jersey, unite in sharing memories and extending support.

“To put it simply, we are heartbroken. I want to express my love and support for the Greensboro Police family, a family I served along with for 17 years before stepping into this role. This is truly a family, a family that has been tested today.” – City Manager Trey Davis

This tragic event marks the second time in 12 months that Greensboro has lost one of its officers to such violence. As the investigation proceeds, Greensboro and its citizens strive to honor Officer Horan’s legacy of courage and commitment to public service.

Sources:

  1. Former Beach Haven patrolman killed in N.C. grocery store shooting
  2. North Carolina man charged with murder in fatal shooting of officer at supermarket, police say
  3. Man Charged With Murder of North Carolina Officer Shot at Supermarket – Newsweek

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