The shooting occurred around 10:30pm at a Sheetz gas station on Sandy Ridge Road, according to police. Authorities say the veteran officer, who had served on the force for over two decades, witnessed a crime in progress in the parking lot and intervened while off duty.
During an attempt to stop the crime, police say the officer was shot. Another off-duty officer who happened to be at the gas station rushed to help, as did a paramedic who was fueling up at the time. They immediately began rendering aid to the fallen officer and transported him to a nearby hospital. Tragically, the officer succumbed to his injuries and died at the hospital.
At a press conference Sunday morning, Greensboro Police Chief John Thompson said the department was grieving the loss of their comrade. “We ask for prayers for the family of the fallen officer and our Greensboro PD family,” Chief Thompson said, noticeably emotional. “I am angry and I am sad. I think those feelings are felt throughout this department and the city.”
The slain officer was a well-respected veteran of the force, described by the chief as a “watch commander.” He had served the Greensboro community for over two decades. Chief Thompson did not release the officer’s name publicly out of respect for the family.
Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan also spoke at the press conference, voicing outrage and heartbreak over the officer’s murder. “There’s really nothing I can say that’s going to give the family or the officers any comfort,” Mayor Vaughan lamented. “What happened today was a senseless act of violence and we have to remember that.”
In the aftermath of the shooting, authorities launched a search for two suspects who fled the scene. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol issued a Blue Alert, providing descriptions of the suspects and their vehicle. The alert said police were seeking two black males in their early 20s who left the area in a black Chevrolet Equinox with North Carolina license plates. One suspect was reportedly wearing a black hoodie, black sweatpants, and a green toboggan hat. The other was said to be wearing a jean jacket with fur trim, gray sweatpants, and tennis shoes.
The Blue Alert was canceled around 8pm, though police have not confirmed if the suspects are in custody. The investigation into the deadly shooting remains ongoing.
As news of the officer’s tragic killing spread, condolences and messages of support began pouring in from across the state.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper offered assistance from state resources to aid in tracking down the suspects. “Every effort must be made to apprehend those responsible and bring justice in this tragic situation,” Gov. Cooper stated.
Lt. Governor Mark Robinson also extended sympathies, saying “Yolanda and I offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of this fallen officer, and the entire Greensboro Police Department. We honor this brave officer for making the ultimate sacrifice in protecting our city.”
Attorney General Josh Stein remarked, “My heart goes out to the family and colleagues of the Greensboro police officer who was murdered this afternoon. Please join me in praying for them and for the immediate capture of the killers. We owe so much to law enforcement who put their lives on the line to keep us safe.”
Law enforcement agencies from across North Carolina expressed solidarity with the Greensboro Police Department, including the Wake County Sheriff’s Office which said “We send our deepest condolences to the family of the fallen officer, the Greensboro Police Department, and the community.”
The selfless actions of the fallen officer, who confronted crime while off-duty and paid the ultimate price, has touched the Greensboro community and resonated with law enforcement nationwide. It serves as a reminder of the bravery and sacrifices made by police officers across the country every day.
While the Greensboro Police Department grieves, the search for justice continues as authorities work tirelessly to find the perpetrators responsible for this heinous killing. The community stands behind their police force, united in mourning and determination to support those who protect and serve.
