(ProsperNews.net) – A Greensboro police officer was fatally shot while responding to a call at a local Food Lion supermarket, leaving a community in mourning and searching for answers.
At a Glance
- Officer Michael Horan was killed in the line of duty at a Food Lion in Greensboro, NC
- The shooting occurred around 11 a.m., and a suspect is in custody
- Horan, a former U.S. Coast Guard member, joined the Greensboro Police Department in 2018
- The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation
- A fund has been set up to support Officer Horan’s family
Tragic Incident Unfolds at Local Supermarket
On a day that should have been filled with holiday cheer, tragedy struck in Greensboro, North Carolina. Officer Michael Horan, a dedicated member of the Greensboro Police Department since 2018, was fatally shot while responding to a call about an armed suspect at a Food Lion supermarket. The incident occurred shortly before midday, sending shockwaves through the community and leaving a family devastated just days before Christmas.
Witness accounts paint a harrowing picture of the events that unfolded. Ramona Miller, who was shopping with her granddaughter at the time, recounted the terrifying moments:
“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. At first I didn’t know it was a shooting … but an employee yelled out, ‘Shooting! Shooting!'”
In the aftermath of the shooting, law enforcement quickly mobilized. A suspect was taken into custody, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation has taken the lead in probing the incident. The Food Lion store where the tragedy occurred will remain closed during the ongoing investigation.
A Life of Service Cut Short
Officer Michael Horan’s dedication to public service extended far beyond his time with the Greensboro Police Department. Prior to joining the force in 2018, Horan served in the U.S. Coast Guard since 2000, embodying a lifelong commitment to protecting and serving his community and country.
“He was an excellent officer. He had an outstanding reputation inside the department and in the community.” – Assistant Police Chief Milford J. Harris
Horan’s exemplary service was recognized in 2019 when he received a lifesaving award for rescuing a man and his son at the beach. This heroic act underscores the character of a man who consistently went above and beyond the call of duty.
Community and State Response
The loss of Officer Horan has resonated deeply within the Greensboro community and beyond. Governor Roy Cooper has dispatched state law enforcement officers to assist in Greensboro, demonstrating the gravity of the situation and the state’s commitment to supporting local law enforcement.
“During what should be a time of joy and celebration, another brave officer has been shot in the line of duty. Another family’s holiday season forever changed.”– Democratic state Sen. Michael Garrett
In response to this tragedy, a GoFundMe has been launched to support Horan’s family, including his wife and children.
The Greensboro Police Department, along with numerous law enforcement agencies and community members, have expressed their condolences and pledged their support for the grieving family.
As the investigation continues and the community mourns, the loss of Officer Michael Horan serves as a stark reminder of the risks our law enforcement officers face daily in their commitment to protect and serve. His sacrifice will not be forgotten, and his legacy of service will continue to inspire those who knew him and those who learn of his bravery.
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