Suspect arrested after allegedly killing officer at North Carolina Food Lion

GREENSBORO, N.C. (WBTV) – The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation investigated a deadly shooting at a Food Lion that killed a Greensboro police officer.

The bureau stated that just before 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 23 a call was made about a suspicious and possibly armed person at the Food Lion on Lawndale Drive.

Officer Michael Horan was the first to arrive on scene and made contact with the individual in the store.

The bureau stated that after a brief struggle the suspect pulled out a gun and shot the officer before leaving the scene in a vehicle.

Officer Horan did not have time to draw of fire his weapon. He leaves behind a wife and children, according to the Greensboro Police Department.

“It’s just a real heavy feeling when you hear that loss, and I think today is a reminder that the dangers of law enforcement, everyday, are really prevalent,” Chet Effler, President of the North Carolina Fraternal Order of Police, said. “I hope that we go through this holiday season and we reflect and we think about this father, this son, this husband who went to work today to try and make his community better.”

After 1 p.m. officials stated that the suspect was located in Johnston County driving a vehicle.

Deputies with the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office began a pursuit and were joined by deputies with Sampson County Sheriff’s Office when the suspect entered Sutton Town until the North Carolina State Highway Patrol took over and performed a PIT maneuver.