Samuel Poloche: Officer killed in Charlotte shooting was dad-of-two who devoted his life to helping others

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA: Tragedy struck the law enforcement community in North Carolina, as four officers, including Samuel 'Sam' Poloche, lost their lives in a fatal shootout during a routine warrant operation on Monday, April 29.

The incident unfolded in the city's North Tryon Division when Poloche attempted to serve a warrant in Charlotte's Shannon Park neighborhood alongside fellow officers Thomas M Weeks Jr, William 'Alden' Elliott, and Joshua Eyer when they confronted gunfire, resulting in their ultimate deaths.

Eyer served as an officer with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, while the remaining three officers were part of the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force, with Weeks holding the position of deputy US Marshal. The individual accused of shooting the officers, identified as Terry Clark Hughes Jr, 39, was also fatally injured at the scene. The officers had been attempting to serve Hughes with two felony warrants, one for possession of a firearm by a felon and another for felony flee to elude.

Who was Officer Samuel Poloche?

Samuel Poloche, 42, served at the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction for 14 years and was among those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Described by his father, as a dedicated family man who served with the US Marshals Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force.

After his stint as an investigator for an FBI task force focusing on public corruption, he resumed his duties at the state level, where he primarily served warrants on fugitives. “We knew about the risks, but we never expected this,” expressed his father. "GOD IS IN CONTROL," reported The Charlotte Observer. 

Poloche was eagerly anticipating his two sons' ages 21 and 18, upcoming graduations and his father’s birthday on May 3. His commitment to his family was paramount, even as he pursued his career in law enforcement.

Samuel Poloche's journey into law enforcement

Poloche's journey into law enforcement began after obtaining a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from UNC Pembroke in 2009.

Over the years, he excelled in various roles within the Department of Public Safety and later transitioned to the Department of Adult Correction's Special Operations and Intelligence Unit, an agency dedicated to gathering and analyzing intelligence data to diminish crime rates and bolster public safety.

Samuel Poloche was an 'outdoorsman' who loved his family 

Known for his kindness and generosity, Poloche often went out of his way to help others, a trait deeply cherished by his family and colleagues alike. Todd Ishee, North Carolina secretary of Adult Correction, reflected on Poloche's passion for his work but “his main purpose in life was his family,” according to Samuel Antonio Poloche, his father. 

 “He liked to help people,” his father alleged. “He would help anybody who needed help.” In addition to his illustrious career in law enforcement, Poloche was an avid outdoorsman and craftsman. He found joy in taking his family to Disney World and exploring national parks. His craftsmanship extended to making leather goods, a hobby he shared with loved ones. “I carry with me one of the wallets he made for me,” his heartbroken father said.

President Joe Biden pays tribute to fallen heroes

Three other officers killed identified as Chris Tolley, Mike Giglio, and Jack Blowers, sustained gunshot wounds but are currently in stable condition. Another officer, Justin Campbell, received treatment for a broken foot.

President Joe Biden paid tribute to the fallen officers, hailing them as "heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice, rushing into harm's way to protect us." "When a law enforcement officer puts on that shield in the morning and heads out the door, their family members dread the phone call -- the very call that came today," Biden stated. "It's like losing a piece of your soul."