William 'Alden' Elliott: Ex-OPPD officer killed in Charlotte shooting remembered as a 'hero' by colleagues
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA: William "Alden" Elliott, a 15-year law enforcement veteran, was among the four officers who were fatally shot on Monday, April 29, while trying to serve an arrest warrant in Charlotte.
The incident occurred in the city's North Tryon Division, where Elliott, alongside fellow Officers Samuel Poloche, Thomas M Weeks Jr, and Joshua Eyer, bravely confronted gunfire while executing their duty, resulting in their untimely deaths. Several other officers sustained injuries during the altercation.
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 Jr holding the position of deputy US marshal.
Who was William 'Alden' Elliott?
Elliott began his career in law enforcement with the Overland Park Police Department on August 11, 2008, marking the start of a dedicated journey of service and protection. His commitment to duty and his community defined his tenure with the department.
"He was a hero. He did this because he believed in it," said ex-OPPD Officer Hunter Clyde, adding, "He was in law enforcement for all the right reasons."
Authorities recount a harrowing scene as the task force faced gunfire while executing the warrant for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Despite the danger, officers valiantly returned fire, ultimately neutralizing the suspect, identified as Terry Clark Hughes Jr, 39, who had an extensive criminal record spanning nearly 15 years.
CMPD Police Chief Johnny Jennings expressed, "Today is an absolutely tragic day for the city of Charlotte and the profession of law enforcement. Today, we lost some heroes...that were out...just simply trying to keep our community safe."
Former colleagues remember William 'Alden' Elliott
Clyde recalled Elliott's unwavering dedication during their training days in the Johnson County Regional Police Academy in 2008, where his humor provided solace in stressful times.
"An instructor would be harping down on not doing something correctly and Alden was just there or smiling, making a witty joke, but don’t get me wrong, he was completely squared away," said Clyde, adding, "This is terrible. It sucks. We lost a really good guy," as reported by KCTV.
After their time together in Kansas City, Elliott pursued a career in North Carolina, becoming a part of the NC Department of Adult Corrections.
"Something like this, it does affect us. Even though he was miles away. Some of the officers that worked with him, they knew him, and they say he was a wonderful person," shared OPPD Public Information Officer John Lacy, noting, "He laid down his life for the community out there so that somebody else wouldn’t have to, and to keep everyone safe."
The department is offering peer support services to those affected by Elliott's death.
President Joe Biden pays tribute to the fallen officers
Three other officers, 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.
In a statement, 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."
He further expressed, "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. It's like losing a piece of your soul."
"We must do more to protect our law enforcement officers. Now. Leaders in Congress need to step up so that we ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, require safe storage of guns, and pass universal background checks and a national red flag law. Enough is enough," asserted Biden.
