Officer Michael Horan’s bravery cost him his life in a tragic supermarket shooting, leaving a community grieving and a suspect facing severe charges.
At a Glance
- Officer Horan was fatally shot at a Greensboro supermarket.
- Suspect Tarell Isaac McMillian faces first-degree murder charges.
- McMillian was arrested after a vehicle pursuit.
- The Greensboro community mourns the loss of a dedicated officer.
The Incident
Greensboro Police Officer Michael Horan faced tragedy when he responded to a call at a Food Lion supermarket in Greensboro, North Carolina. Horan encountered a potentially armed individual, 34-year-old Tarell Isaac McMillian, who allegedly shot him after a brief struggle. Officer Horan had no chance to draw his service weapon during the confrontation, leaving him vulnerable to the fatal attack.
Following the incident, a pursuit was initiated, culminating in McMillian’s arrest over 150 miles away in Duplin County. He now faces first-degree murder charges and remains held without bond in Guilford County Jail. This marks Greensboro’s 43rd homicide in 2024.
🔹Blessed Are The Peacemakers 🔹
Police Officer Michael Horan
Greensboro Police Department, North Carolina
EOW: Monday, December 23, 2024#EnoughlsEnough #OfficerDown #EOW #ThinBlueLine pic.twitter.com/XUphJ0ohpx— National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) (@GLFOP) December 25, 2024
A Hero Remembered
Officer Michael Horan served Greensboro with distinction since 2017. His heroics include rescuing a man and his son from a rip current at Emerald Isle in 2019. His multifaceted career began with the Beach Haven Beach Patrol in 1995 and continued with the U.S. Coast Guard since 2000. Michael Lawrence remarked on Horan’s engaging personality, saying, “He just made people laugh. He made people comfortable. You just wanted to be around him.”
The local community, law enforcement partners, and even Governor Roy Cooper extended heartfelt condolences. Governor Cooper praised Horan for courageously doing his duty and recognized his “brave, dedicated service.”
Greensboro, North Carolina Police Officer Michael Horan was killed in the line of duty Monday morning while responding to reports of an armed man inside a Food Lion grocery store. The suspect has been arrested. https://t.co/KzVnWgVVk5 pic.twitter.com/nKnJb8B4cv
— WCNC Charlotte (@wcnc) December 23, 2024
Community and Family Support
The Greensboro Police Officers Association quickly moved to support Horan’s family by establishing a memorial fund, raising tens of thousands of dollars to ease their loss. As the community at large mourns, they come together, showing support through diverse avenues. This incident has left a significant impact on Greensboro, with city manager Trey Davis voicing the collective sorrow, “To put it simply, we’re heartbroken.”
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation leads the ongoing inquiry into this tragic event. Meanwhile, the Food Lion location remains temporarily closed as investigations continue, with company efforts supporting staff affected by the incident.
Sources:
- Former Beach Haven patrolman killed in N.C. grocery store shooting
- North Carolina man charged with murder in fatal shooting of officer at supermarket, police say