A Greensboro police officer was fatally shot while responding to a call at a Food Lion grocery store, leaving a community in mourning and sparking a high-speed chase to apprehend the suspect.
At a Glance
- Officer Michael Horan was killed responding to a report of an armed man at a Food Lion store in Greensboro, NC
- Suspect Tarell Isaac McMillian, 34, was arrested after a high-speed pursuit and charged with first-degree murder
- Officer Horan, a seven-year veteran of the force, was also a member of the U.S. Coast Guard and Army Reserves
- The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is leading the ongoing investigation
- A memorial fund has been established to support Officer Horan’s family
Tragic Incident Unfolds at Local Supermarket
On a seemingly ordinary Saturday morning, tragedy struck the quiet community of Greensboro, North Carolina. Officer Michael Horan, a dedicated member of the Greensboro Police Department, responded to a call about an armed individual at a Food Lion grocery store on Lawndale Drive. What transpired next would shock the community and lead to a devastating loss for law enforcement.
Witness accounts paint a harrowing picture of the events that unfolded inside the store. Ramona Miller, who was present during the incident, recounted the terrifying moments. “The employees yelled, ‘Shooting, get out’,” Miller said. The chaos that ensued left shoppers and employees scrambling for safety as gunshots echoed through the aisles.
Pursuit and Arrest of the Suspect
Following the shooting, the suspect, identified as 34-year-old Tarell Isaac McMillian, fled the scene, initiating a high-speed chase. Law enforcement agencies, including the NC Highway Patrol, joined forces to apprehend the dangerous fugitive. After a tense pursuit that stretched into Duplin County, authorities successfully captured McMillian.
“We were on our way out and I was purchasing a lottery ticket and I was just sitting there and heard a ‘pop-pop’ and then ‘pop-pop-pop.’ I think I heard five shots,” Ramona Miller told WGHP.
The suspect now faces serious charges, including first-degree murder, and is being held without bond. As the investigation continues, led by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, additional charges may be forthcoming. The swift action of law enforcement in apprehending the suspect has brought a measure of relief to a community shaken by this senseless act of violence.
Remembering Officer Michael Horan
Officer Michael Horan’s untimely death has left a void in the Greensboro Police Department and the community he served. Hired in 2017, Horan quickly distinguished himself as an exemplary officer, earning recognition for his bravery in 2018. His commitment to public service extended beyond local law enforcement, as he was also a member of the U.S. Coast Guard since 2000 and had served in the Army Reserves.
“He was an excellent officer,” Assistant Chief MJ Harris said. “He had an outstanding reputation inside the department and in the community.”
The loss of Officer Horan has resonated deeply with state officials and the law enforcement community. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper expressed his condolences, praising Horan for “courageously doing his duty protecting Greensboro when he became the victim of a senseless act of violence.” The governor’s words reflect the sentiment of a grateful state mourning the loss of a dedicated public servant.
I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of Greensboro Police Officer Michael Horan, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty. My prayers are with Officer Horan’s family, friends, and the entire Greensboro Police Department during this incredibly difficult time.
Our brave…
— Pat Harrigan (@PatHarriganNC) December 23, 2024
Community Response and Support
In the wake of this tragedy, the Greensboro community has rallied to support Officer Horan’s family and fellow officers. A memorial fund has been established by the Greensboro Police Department to assist the Horan family during this difficult time. The outpouring of support demonstrates the deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line daily to protect and serve.
Food Lion, the site of the tragic incident, has expressed its profound sadness and is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation. The store remains closed as authorities continue their work, and the company has pledged support for its employees affected by the shooting.
As the community grapples with this loss, the memory of Officer Michael Horan’s service and sacrifice will undoubtedly live on, serving as a reminder of the risks faced by those who dedicate their lives to protecting others. The tragic events at the Greensboro Food Lion store have left an indelible mark on the community, sparking conversations about officer safety and the importance of supporting our law enforcement personnel.
