Officer Fatally Shot at North Carolina Supermarket Days Before Christmas: 'We Are Heartbroken'

An officer in North Carolina was shot to death while in the line of duty two days before Christmas.

Greensboro Police Department Officer Michael Horan died while responding to a call about a "man with a firearm" inside Food Lion, a popular supermarket chain, on the morning of Monday, Dec. 23, said Assistant Chief MJ Harris during an afternoon press conference.

While the circumstances of what led to the shooting are being investigated, Harris said the incident broke out inside the store at approximately 11 a.m., leaving Horan fatally wounded.

Ramona Miller, who was inside the store with her 6-year-old granddaughter at the time of the incident, recalled hearing multiple gunshots to WGHP-TV.

"We were on our way out and I was purchasing a lottery ticket and I was just sitting there and heard a 'pop-pop' and then 'pop-pop-pop.' I think I heard five shots. At first I didn’t know it was a shooting….. but an employee yelled out 'shooting! shooting,' " said Miller.

According to the Duplin County Sheriff's Office, the suspect, who has not been publicly identified, fled the scene after the incident but was taken into custody following a high-speed chase.

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"The offender is in custody, and there is no threat to the public," said Harris, noting that more details about the suspect will be provided as the investigation continues.

In a statement to WGHP-TV, Food Lion said they are directing all questions to local law enforcement due to the active investigation.

"Food Lion is cooperating with authorities and the store will remain closed while the police investigation continues. We are providing resources to support our associates during this difficult time," their statement said.

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North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper responded to the incident on X, writing that he has "sent significant state law enforcement personnel who are helping with the response."

Greensboro City Manager Trey Davis said at the press conference: "I wish I was here addressing [you] under different circumstances and to put it simply, we're heartbroken. I want to express my love and my support for the Greensboro Police family."

Harris remembered Horan as "a husband, father, son, friend, and much more to his family" with an "outstanding reputation inside the department and the community."

Horan was hired to start the 103 PBIC Academy in September 2017 and became a sworn officer in early 2018. He served on the Patrol Bureau in District 4 on Squad A and was recognized for his leadership throughout his career.

A fundraiser for his family states that Horan also served in the U.S. Coast Guard since January 2000, working as a law enforcement officer, tactical fast boat instructor, and search and rescue operator.

Before that, he served as a lieutenant, lifeguard, and instructor at the Beach Haven Beach Patrol, Beach Haven, NJ, from June 1995 to 2017.

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In 2019, he received a lifesaving award for rescuing a father and son from rip currents while on vacation with his family in Emerald Isle, said the Greensboro Police Department.

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