A Greensboro police officer was fatally shot while responding to a call at a Food Lion supermarket, leaving the community in mourning and raising questions about public safety.
At a Glance
- Officer Michael Horan was killed responding to a call about an armed man at a Food Lion store
- Suspect Tarell Isaac McMillian, 34, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder
- Officer Horan, a U.S. Coast Guard member, was known for his bravery and service to the community
- The incident marks the 43rd homicide in Greensboro for 2024
- A memorial fund has been established to support Officer Horan’s family
Tragic Loss of a Dedicated Officer
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Officer Michael Horan of the Greensboro Police Department was shot and killed while responding to a call about a possibly armed man at a Food Lion store in Greensboro, North Carolina. The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Tarell Isaac McMillian, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with Officer Horan’s death.
The incident unfolded when Officer Horan arrived at the scene to address reports of an armed individual. According to authorities, a brief struggle ensued, during which McMillian allegedly shot Horan before the officer had time to draw his weapon. The suspect then fled the scene, leading to a vehicle pursuit that ended in Duplin County, approximately 150 miles from Greensboro.
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 Law Enforcement React
The loss of Officer Horan has deeply affected the Greensboro community and law enforcement agencies across the state. Greensboro Police Chief John Thompson expressed the department’s grief in a statement to the press.
“We are all struggling with the tragic loss of Officer Michael Horan, who was a valued and respected member of our Greensboro Police family,” Chief John Thompson said from police headquarters. “We’re especially grateful to everyone who worked around the clock to assist in the identification, arrest, and charging of the individual responsible for Officer Horan’s death. We also want to thank our community and our law enforcement partners around the state for the support they have offered our department and for Officer Horan’s family during this difficult time.”
The Greensboro Police Officers Association has established a memorial fund to support Horan’s family, which has already raised tens of thousands of dollars. This outpouring of support underscores the impact Officer Horan had on his community and fellow officers.
Officer Michael T. Horan joined the Greensboro Police Department in 2017, bringing with him a distinguished background of public service. Prior to his role in Greensboro, Horan served with the Beach Haven Beach Patrol from 1995 to 2017 and had been a member of the U.S. Coast Guard since 2000.
“He was an excellent officer. He had an outstanding reputation inside the department and in the community.” Assistant Police Chief Milford J. Harris said.
Horan’s bravery extended beyond his official duties. In 2019, during a family visit to Emerald Isle, North Carolina, he saved a man and his son from a dangerous rip current, demonstrating his commitment to protecting others even while off-duty.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is leading the ongoing inquiry into the incident. Meanwhile, the Food Lion store where the tragedy occurred remains closed as investigators continue their work. The company has stated it is providing support to its employees affected by the event.
