A police officer in Greensboro, North Carolina, was recently murdered in a grocery store by an armed suspect just days before Christmas. Officer Michael Horan, 44, was tragically shot and killed when responding to a 911 call made about a suspicious individual who may have been armed in a Food Lion grocery store. Upon locating the suspect, an altercation ensued and, the man drew a firearm and opened fire on Horan.
Addressing the homicide, Police Chief MF Harris said in a press conference, “Thank you for being here with us. First, we want to honor the life and service of Officer Michael Horan, who was killed in the line of duty this morning. Together, we are mourning Officer Horan — who was a husband, father, son, friend, and much more to his family. He became a sworn officer with the department in early 2018, and he served on the Patrol Bureau in District 4, on Squad A.
The statement from the police chief further outlined Horan’s career. “Officer Horan was hired in September of 2017 to start the 103 PBIC Academy. He was an excellent officer. He had an outstanding reputation inside the Department and the community. We ask that you please keep his family, friends and fellow officers in your thoughts and prayers,” Harris said.
Furthermore, Chief Harris explained the nature of the call Horan was responding too before the shooting occurred. “Officer Horan responded to a call about a man with a firearm inside Food Lion in the 4700 block of Lawndale Drive. A shooting occurred inside the store at approximately 11 a.m., fatally wounding Officer Horan. The circumstances of what led to the shooting are being investigated,” he said.
“The offender is in custody and there is no threat to the public. We will release more details about the suspect as the investigation continues,” Harris continued, confirming that the suspect was apprehended. “Our department has requested the State Bureau of Investigation to be the lead investigating agency. On behalf of the Greensboro Police Department, we want to thank our law enforcement partners across the state for your support and for your efforts today to quickly apprehend the suspect,” he added.
Harris concluded, “We also want to thank our community for continuing to support our officers and their families during this difficult time. We will be sharing more information with media after this news conference with details about a fundraiser for the officer’s family, and other ways in which we plan to honor Officer Horan’s life and service.” A memorial has been set up in his honor at police HQ. One will be located outside and the other in the main lobby.”
The Greensboro Police Department provided an update on Facebook that the suspect in the homicide had been charged. “Tarell Isaac McMillian, 34, of Greensboro, has been charged with first-degree murder in the homicide of Greensboro Police Officer Michael Horan, which occurred Dec. 23 in the Food Lion at 4709 Lawndale Drive. McMillian was arrested with the assistance of the NC Highway Patrol in Duplin County. McMillian is now in the Guilford County Jail without bond. He also faces multiple charges related to the vehicle pursuit that led to his arrest. Other charges may be pending. At this time, detectives are not seeking any other individuals in relation to this homicide investigation. This is the city’s 43rd homicide of 2024.”
Featured image credit: Greensboro Police Department / Facebook
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