x
Breaking News
More () »

Procession for fallen officer in west Charlotte

The procession caused a brief shutdown of I-85 near Brookshire Boulevard on Tuesday afternoon.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Traffic in west Charlotte was briefly impacted on Tuesday afternoon for a procession for one of the officers killed in Monday's standoff

Traffic was briefly stopped on Interstate 85 southbound near Brookshire Boulevard for the police procession.

The interstate was reopened by 4 p.m.

Four officers were killed during a shootout when a U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force was serving warrants at a home on Galway Drive. The suspect shot four other officers during the encounter before he was killed, CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings said. A fifth officer from Statesville, who served on the regional task force, was also hurt.

Download the WCNC Charlotte app for the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts.

It's a rare occurrence for officers in Charlotte to be shot and killed in the line of duty. The last time this happened was nearly 20 years ago. 

On March 31, 2007, officers Jeff Shelton and Sean Clark were shot in the parking lot of Timber Ridge Apartments near Milton Road in east Charlotte while responding to a domestic disturbance call. That shooting happened just about a mile from where Monday's shooting unfolded.

Both officers died at Carolinas Medical Center the next morning, April 1, 2008.


Editor's Note: The Statesville Police Department announced Tuesday evening one of its own officers was among those hurt during the incident. This means five officers were hurt Monday.

WCNC Charlotte is committed to reporting on the many issues facing the communities we serve. We tell the stories of people working to solve persistent social problems. We examine how problems can be solved or addressed to improve the quality of life and make a positive difference. WCNC Charlotte is seeking solutions for you. Send your tips or questions to newstips@wcnc.com.

WCNC Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at WCNC Charlotte.  
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart 

All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere. 

Before You Leave, Check This Out