Amidst the chaos, another individual, whose identity remains undisclosed, was also involved in the exchange of gunfire. The exact details regarding which party fired upon which officer remain unclear.
Chief Johnny Jennings disclosed that Hughes was wanted for several charges, including possession of a firearm by a felon and felony fleeing to elude, originating from Lincoln County. Notably, he wielded a “high-powered rifle” during the confrontation.
Among the casualties were an officer from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and three members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, including Sam Poloche and William Alden Elliott.
Sadly, CMPD Officer Joshua Eyer sustained critical injuries and later succumbed to them at the hospital. Officer Eyer leaves behind his wife and a 3-year-old son.
Terry Clark Hughes Jr.’s criminal record in North Carolina unveils a history of unlawful behavior. In January 2010, he received a six-month sentence for felony breaking and entering, stemming from an incident in September 2009.
In June 2012, Hughes was arrested after a high-speed police chase reaching speeds of 115 mph. The pursuit culminated in a crash, leading to his apprehension. His last known addresses were in Charlotte and Semora, Caswell County.
Facing a litany of charges, including possession of cocaine, possession of a firearm by a felon, driving with a revoked license, and reckless speeding, Hughes also had outstanding warrants from four different counties.
Continuing his encounters with the law, Hughes was sentenced again on October 31, 2012, this time for possession of a firearm by a felon and related offenses, resulting in a 2-year and 3-month imprisonment.
On April 29, 2024, Hughes’s encounter with law enforcement proved fatal. As officers from the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force approached a residence on Galway Drive to serve active felony warrants, Hughes discharged his firearm, injuring multiple officers and prompting urgent backup.
Despite additional officers arriving, the gunfire persisted, resulting in a total of eight officers wounded and three task force officers losing their lives. Exiting the house with a firearm, Hughes was perceived as an immediate threat by law enforcement, leading to his demise in the front yard.
Following the gunfire exchange, the CMPD’s Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) initiated negotiations with any remaining occupants inside the house. Eventually, two females emerged unharmed and were taken for questioning. Hughes was pronounced dead at the scene.
