Suspect arrested after allegedly killing officer at North Carolina Food Lion

On December 24, 2024By Littum

GREENSBORO, NC (WBTV) – The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation was investigating a fatal shooting at a Food Lion that killed a Greensboro police officer.

The agency stated that just before 11 a.m. 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 the scene and make contact with the person in the store.

The bureau said 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 his weapon from fire. He leaves behind a wife and children, according to the Greensboro Police Department.

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

After 1 p.m., officials said the suspect was in Johnston County driving a vehicle.

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

Officials say they were able to stop the vehicle on I-40 at the Duplin County line and the suspect was taken into custody without incident.

Charges pending.

To donate to help the Horan family, click here.