30th April, 2024
Three police officers have been shot dead and five others wounded while serving a warrant in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States.
The three officers killed were said to belong to the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force.
At least one suspected attacker was found dead in the front yard of a barricaded home after a standoff that lasted three hours, the BBC quoted police officials.
Authorities said two shooters were involved in the attack.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings said at a news conference that a total of eight law enforcement officers were shot during the incident.
The CNN reports that the shooting unfolded in the 5000 block of Galway Drive as members of the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force were serving a warrant for possession of firearm by a convicted felon.
Jennings stated that the officers were met with gunfire from a “high-powered rifle” and returned fire, fatally shooting a suspect in the front yard of the house.
Jennings said the US Marshals had been serving the warrant to that suspect.
“As officers approached, they received additional gunfire from inside the residence,” he said.
Also, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, on its X handle said “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 heroics 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.”