A North Carolina police officer was killed Monday morning when a gunman opened fire inside a Greensboro. Food Lion Grocery Store.
Greensboro police officer Michael Horan, 44, was the first to arrive at the store after a 911 call was made about a suspicious man, who was possibly armed, inside the store.
After a brief struggle, the man pulled out a gun and shot Horan, before leaving the scene by car around 11 a.m., according to a news release from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI).
Horan “did not have time to draw or fire his weapon,” according to the statement.
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Greensboro Police Officer Michael Horan was killed after responding to a call about a man with a gun inside a Food Lion.
Nearly two hours later, authorities said the man was found driving in Johnston County. Deputies from the Johnston County and Sampson County Sheriff’s Offices pursued the car as it entered Sutton Town.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol stopped the car on I-40 near the Duplin County line using a PIT maneuver, according to the release. The man, who has not yet been identified, was taken into custody without incident.
Charges are pending, according to authorities. The SBI is leading the investigation at the request of the Guilford County District Attorney.
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The police department described Horan as a loving husband and father with an “exceptional reputation” within the department and the community.
“We ask that you keep his family, friends and fellow officers in your thoughts and prayers,” a spokesperson said Monday afternoon.
An officer was shot and killed at Food Lion on Lawndale Drive in Greensboro, North Carolina. (Google maps)
A Food Lion spokesperson expressed condolences in a statement provided to Fox News Digital.
“Food Lion is deeply saddened by the tragedy that occurred at our store located in 4709 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro.” the company wrote in the statement. “We express our deepest condolences to the officer’s family and friends.”
Food Lion said it is cooperating with authorities and the store will remain closed.
“We are providing resources to support our associates during this difficult time,” the statement read.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper reacted to the tragic shooting. (AP Photo/Hannah Schoenbaum)
In a statement released on social media, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper He said he is in contact with local and state authorities regarding the shooting.
“We have deployed significant state law enforcement personnel who are assisting with the response,” according to Cooper.
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Horan served with the Greensboro Police Department since 2018, according to officials.
