GREENSBORO, N.C. — A Greensboro police officer was shot and killed Monday morning inside a Food Lion on Lawndale Drive, GPD confirmed in a press conference.
Officer Michael Horan was the first to respond to a call referencing a man with a firearm inside the Food Lion. The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) said Horan made contact with the suspect.
After a brief struggle, the SBI said the suspect pulled out a gun and shot the officer before driving away from the scene at around 11 a.m.
“The officer did not have time to draw or fire his weapon,” wrote the SBI in a press release
At about 1 p.m., law enforcement found the suspect driving in Johnston County. Johnston County and Sampson County deputies pursued the suspect in a high-speed chase before the North Carolina State Highway Patrol took over, the SBI said.
Troopers initiated the PIT maneuver and were able to stop the suspect vehicle on I-40 at the Duplin County line. Troopers said the suspect was going 85 mph. He was taken into custody without incident.
Charges are pending, the SBI said. No suspect information was provided.
Horan’s body was transported Monday night after the shooting.
“To put it simply, we’re heartbroken,” said Greensboro City Manager, Trey Davis. “I want to express my love and my support for the Greensboro police family, a family that I served along with for 17 years before stepping into this role. This is truly a family, but a family that has been tested today.”
Horan was described as a husband, father, son and friend. Police said he was an excellent officer with an outstanding reputation. He was hired by the department in Sept. 2017 and became a sworn GPD officer in early 2018.
Before GPD, Horan served 18 years with the Coast Guard. Part of his service included NYC and DC 9/11 harbor defense operations after the attacks.
Horan was part of the first Coast Guard Counter-Terrorism unit in Seattle. He conducted counter-terror, counter-narcotics and counter-human trafficking missions across 5 states.
He received a lifesaving award for rescuing a father and son from rip currents while on vacation with his family in Emerald Isle, according to GPD.
A Food Lion spokesperson released the following statement regarding Horan’s death:
“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.
As this is an active investigation, we are directing all questions to local law enforcement. Food Lion is cooperating with authorities and the store will remain closed while the police investigation continues.
We are providing resources to support our associates during this difficult time.”
The Food Lion is set to reopen on Thursday, Dec. 26.
The SBI is leading the investigation of this case.
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