3 law enforcement officers killed, 5 wounded serving N.C. warrant; suspect dead

Three law enforcement officers were killed and five more were wounded Monday afternoon when a gunfight erupted during an attempt to serve a warrant in North Carolina.

A suspect is also dead.

The three officers were part of a fugitive apprehension task force serving a warrant at a home in Charlotte when they were shot at, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings said at a news conference. The suspect was killed by the officers when a person inside the home started shooting.

Following a three-hour standoff that included an armored vehicle crashing into the home, a woman, a 17-year-old male and a high-powered rifle were found in the home.

The two are being questioned, Jennings said.

One of the dead officers was a U.S. Marshal and the other two were from the state Department of Adult Correction.

The wounded officers — another member of the task force and four Charlotte-Mecklenburg officers — were injured trying to rescue the officers who were initially shot. One remains in critical condition, Jennings said.

No other information was released.

After several hours, local police announced residents no longer needed to shelter in place and there was no more threat to the public.

Charlotte mayor Vi Lyles said in a statement she was “deeply saddened by the shooting that occurred that involved Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers and U.S. Marshals today.”

“I ask that all Charlotteans keep them, the other injured officers, and their families in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time,” Lyles said.