2LT International News

RALEIGH, North Carolina: Police in North Carolina said that four law officers serving a warrant for a felon wanted for possessing a firearm were killed, and four other officers were wounded in a shootout this week.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings said that some of the officers who rushed to the Charlotte neighborhood to rescue the first wave of downed officers were wounded by a second shooter, who began firing on them after they killed the wanted man.

“Today we lost some heroes who were out simply trying to keep our community safe,” Jennings said at a news conference.

The three-hour standoff ended after an armored vehicle smashed into the home, where a woman and a 17-year-old male were found and are now being questioned, he added.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper said that two officers from the state Department of Adult Correction also were killed, while the Marshal’s Service confirmed one of its agents was killed.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer Joshua Eyer died a few hours later at the hospital, Jennings said, stating, “He certainty gave his life and dedicated his life to protecting our citizens.”

Three other Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers who responded to the scene were shot while trying to rescue the wounded officers, he added.

Police urged people to stay away from the neighborhood and asked residents to remain inside their homes until further notice.

President Joe Biden, who was briefed on the shooting and spoke with Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, said, “They are heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice, rushing into harm’s way to protect us.”

In a statement, Biden said, “We mourn for them and their loved ones. And we pray for the recoveries of the courageous officers who were wounded.”