By EFE
Apr 30, 2024, 07:10 AM EDT
Washington – Four police officers were killed this Monday in a shootout during an operation to arrest a fugitive, who also died, that occurred in Charlotte (North Carolina, United States), according to authorities.
In addition to the deceased officers, there are four other police officers injured by gunshots. Two suspects were arrested.
The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. local time (17:30 GMT) when a group of agents from the United States Marshals Service were preparing to execute the arrest warrant for illegal possession of weapons by a fugitive.
“When they approached that individual they were met with gunshots,” the chief of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, Johnny Jennnings, explained at a press conference.
The deputies shot down the fugitive in the front yard of the house, but “received more shots” from inside.
In that shooting, three sheriff’s deputies died and four other officers were injured (another sheriff’s deputy and three Charlotte local police officers).
A fourth officer, a local police officer who had been seriously injured, died hours later in the hospital.
After a “long confrontation,” the police arrested two people inside the house.
“We are now trying to determine what exactly happened inside the residence,” Jennings said.
United States President Joe Biden spoke with Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper to express his condolences.