Joshua Eyer: CMPD cop died trying to save task force officer during deadly gun rampage in Charlotte
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA: Joshua Eyer, a dedicated member of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) and a 12-year veteran of the North Carolina Army National Guard deployed twice, tragically lost his life, alongside three other law enforcement officers on April 29, 2024, in the shooting in Charlotte after they attempted to serve an arrest warrant to a fugitive.
The incident occurred in the city's North Tryon Division, where Eyer, alongside fellow officers Samuel Poloche, William 'Alden' Elliott, and Deputy US Marshal Thomas M Weeks Jr bravely confronted gunfire while executing their duty, resulting in their untimely deaths. Several other officers sustained injuries during the altercation.
Who was Officer Joshua Eyer?
Eyer, who served in CMPD's North Tryon Division since October 2017, was hailed by CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings as "the kind of officer you want on your team." His courage was evident as he rushed in to aid a task force officer before being fatally shot by Terry Clark Hughes Jr during an attempt to serve a warrant on Galway Drive in east Charlotte.
Despite the danger, officers valiantly returned fire, ultimately neutralizing the suspect.
Officer Joshua Eyer professional background
Beyond his service in law enforcement, Eyer was a respected figure in the military community. Deployed twice as a National Guardsman, he served with distinction in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Spartan Shield. His dedication earned him the rank of Sergeant First Class before his honorable discharge on November 27, 2023.
Remembered as a trusted leader and mentor, Eyer's impact extended beyond his professional duties. Roberto Rivas, who served alongside the fallen officer in the National Guard, described him as someone who "didn’t care who you were or where you came from. He treated everyone fairly, regardless of skin color or upbringing," reported WBTV.
Slain officer Joshua Eyer remembered as brave and trustworthy
The fallen soldier's recent recognition as CMPD's Officer of the Month for April further underscores his commitment to service. The loss of Eyer, along with fellow officers Elliott, Poloche, and Weeks, Jr, has sent shockwaves through the community. “They were good ones,” Governor Roy Cooper said, emphasizing the bravery and trustworthiness of the fallen officers. “People you could trust. People you could count on and people who would risk their lives.”
In response to this tragedy, Charlotte city council member Tariq Scott Bokhari has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support Eyer's grieving family. Additionally, Back the Blue NC has launched a separate fundraising effort to aid those affected by the shooting.
Charlotte shooting one of the deadliest on US law enforcement
This incident marks the deadliest attack on US law enforcement officers since 2016 when five officers were killed in Dallas. It has been 17 years since a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officer last lost their life in the line of duty, reported QC News.
Both CMPD officers were shot while responding to a disturbance call along Barrington Drive on March 31, 2007. Tragically, they succumbed to their injuries one day later, on April 1. In January 2018, Detective Mike Doty of the York County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina fell victim to a domestic violence suspect's ambush, resulting in his death along with three other deputies. Similarly, in May 2019, Officer Jordan Sheldon of Mooresville was fatally shot during a routine traffic stop.
In December 2020, Mount Holly mourned the loss of Officer Tyler Herndon, who was responding to a burglary call when he and fellow officers confronted gunfire. Officer Herndon, just two days shy of his 26th birthday, tragically lost his life after being shot in the stomach and head.
Also in December 2020, Concord was devastated by the loss of Officer Jason Shuping. He was ambushed and killed by a suspect in a Sonic restaurant parking lot between Concord Mills and the Charlotte Motor Speedway while responding to a crash and possible carjacking. Officer Shuping's promising career was tragically cut short.
