Suspect Identified in Food Lion Killing of Greensboro Police Officer Michael Horan

GREENSBORO, NC (WTVD) — A suspect facing a first-degree murder charge in the death of Greensboro Police Officer Michael Horan has been identified.

Horan was killed responding to a call to a Food Lion just two days before Christmas on Lawndale Drive just off Interstate 840 in north Greensboro after reports of a man with a firearm inside the store came in just before 11 a.m.

The State Bureau of Investigation said that shortly after Horan arrived, he encountered 34-year-old Tarell Isaac McMillian and a brief struggle ensued. Greensboro police say McMillian then pulled out a gun and shot the officer before getting into a car and driving away. Horan did not have time to draw or fire his weapon, the SBI said.

“Circumstances of what led to the shooting are currently under investigation,” Assistant Police Chief MJ Harris said during a news conference Monday afternoon.

Horan was hired in 2017 and became a sworn officer in 2018. The Greensboro Police Department said he was an “outstanding” officer with an excellent reputation. He was also a husband and father.

Memorials have been erected in his honor at police headquarters. One will be located outside and the other in the main lobby.

Greensboro Police Officers Association create a fundraiser online. Donations will go to support Horan’s family in their time of need.

ABC11 sources said the manhunt, which ended several hours after the Food Lion shooting and 150 miles away in Duplin County, was connected to the case.

According to the SBI, the pursuit began in Johnston County when deputies spotted the suspect vehicle and began pursuing it. Sampson County deputies joined in, and then the Highway Patrol took over.

The chase ended at exit 355 (NC-403) near Warsaw at the Duplin County line.

The SBI said charges were pending.

Food Lion released the following statement about the incident:

“Food Lion is deeply saddened by the incident that occurred at our store located at 4709 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro. As this is an active investigation, we are directing all questions to local law enforcement. Food Lion is cooperating with authorities and the store will remain closed, while the police investigation continues. We are providing resources to support our employees during this difficult time.”

Greensboro police have asked the State Bureau of Investigation to take the lead on this case.

Gov. Roy Cooper said on X that he expressed his condolences to Horan’s family and his officers, saying the fallen officer was “bravely doing his duty to protect Greensboro when he became the victim of a senseless act of violence.” He added that he was grateful for Horan’s “courageous, dedicated service.”

Horan is the second Greensboro police officer killed in the past 12 months. Officer Philip Dale Nix was on the loose when he was shot and killed on December 30, 2023 at a Sheetz convenience store while trying to stop a crime in progress. Three people were arrested in Nix’s shooting death.