A North Carolina police officer was killed two days before Christmas responding to a call about a man with a firearm inside a grocery store.
Officer Michael Horan arrived at the Food Lion around 11 a.m. and struggled with the man, ABC-11 reported. The man was able to draw his weapon and shoot Horan before fleeing. Police took the suspect into custody after a high-speed chase; his identity has not yet been released. The station reported that the investigation is continuing and charges are expected to be filed.
"Circumstances of what led to the shooting are currently being investigated," Assistant Police Chief MJ Harris in a news conference, the TV station reported.
The Greensboro Police Association has set up a fundraiser for Horan's family.
"The loss of a man like Michael Horan rips a hole in the hearts of his family, squad mates, friends and community. He will not be present with his family at this time of year due to a senseless killing," the fundraising page states.
The page noted that Horan joined the force in September 2017. In 2019, Horan received an award for "his bravery and quick response when, on a trip to the beach with his family, he put his own life in jeopardy, knowingly entering an active rip current before swimming approximately 60 yards to save the life of a man and his son from drowning," the fundraising page states.
