Tragedy struck a Greensboro, North Carolina Food Lion grocery store on Monday morning, claiming the life of police officer Michael Horan, 44. Responding to a 911 call regarding a potentially armed suspicious individual, Officer Horan arrived at the store and engaged the suspect. A struggle ensued, culminating in the suspect firing upon Officer Horan before fleeing the scene in a vehicle. Horan was unable to defend himself and did not discharge his weapon. The incident unfolded around 11 a.m., prompting a multi-agency response.
A pursuit involving Johnston County and Sampson County sheriff's deputies followed, leading into Sutton Town. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol successfully intercepted the suspect's vehicle on I-40 near the Duplin County line, utilizing a PIT maneuver to bring the chase to an end. The suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed, was apprehended without further incident and awaits charges. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), at the behest of the Guilford County District Attorney, is spearheading the investigation.
The Greensboro Police Department mourned the loss of Officer Horan, a devoted husband and father, who was recognized for his exemplary service and standing within both the department and the community. Food Lion also issued a statement expressing profound sorrow over the incident, offering condolences to Officer Horan's loved ones and confirming their cooperation with law enforcement. The store where the shooting occurred, located at 4709 Lawndale Drive, remains temporarily closed as the investigation continues. Support resources are being provided to store employees.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper acknowledged the tragedy, stating that he is in communication with local and state law enforcement agencies, and has deployed state personnel to assist in the response. Officer Horan had served with the Greensboro Police Department since 2018.
