A North Carolina police officer was fatally shot whereas responding to a report of an individual with a gun inside a grocery store, authorities mentioned.
The taking pictures occurred Monday morning at a Meals Lion in Greensboro, police mentioned.
Greensboro officer Michael Horan was fatally injured after responding to the decision a few “man with a firearm” inside the shop, police mentioned.
“The circumstances of what led to the taking pictures are presently being investigated,” Greensboro Assistant Police Chief MJ Harris mentioned throughout a press briefing on Monday.
The taking pictures suspect fled the scene and was taken into custody following a high-speed chase, the Duplin County Sheriff’s Workplace mentioned. There is no such thing as a risk to the general public, Harris mentioned.
No additional particulars on the suspect have been launched.
Horan had been a sworn officer with the Greensboro Police Division since early 2018.
“He was a wonderful officer,” Harris mentioned. “He had an impressive popularity contained in the division and the group.”
Horan beforehand served for 18 years within the U.S. Coast Guard, throughout which he acquired an award for rescuing a father and son from rip currents, in accordance with the police division.
“Merely put, we’re heartbroken,” Greensboro Metropolis Supervisor Trey Davis mentioned on the briefing.
The Greensboro Police Division requested the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation to take the lead on the investigation into the taking pictures.
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper mentioned that “important state regulation enforcement personnel” had been despatched to assist with the response.
A Meals Lion spokesperson mentioned they’re cooperating with authorities and the shop will stay closed amid the investigation.
“Meals Lion is deeply saddened by the tragedy that occurred at our retailer,” the spokesperson mentioned. “We categorical our deepest condolences to the officer’s household and mates.”
“We’re offering assets to assist our associates throughout this troublesome time,” the spokesperson added.
ABC Information’ Ahmad Hemingway contributed to this report.