‘Just no words.’ Charlotte mourns CMPD Officer Joshua Eyer, among 4 officers slain Monday

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officer Joshua Eyer had a quick smile, served his entire six-year career in the North Tryon Division and just a couple weeks ago was honored as one of the officers of the month.

In fact, it was in a room used for media briefings at police headquarters where Chief Johnny Jennings had congratulated Eyer for that honor. But on Monday night, Jennings returned to that room Monday night for a much different announcement.

He confirmed that Eyer had succumbed to injuries sustained Monday afternoon while assisting law enforcement trying to enforce a warrant, becoming the fourth officer to die in the wake of the firefight. An unimaginably painful day for local law enforcement in the Charlotte area had gotten worse.

8 OFFICERS SHOT: 3 law enforcement officers killed, 5 wounded, serving warrant

Eyer’s wife and other family members were by his side when he died Monday night, the chief said.

“We’ll always be indebted to Officer Eyer for his bravery and his sacrifice for this profession,” Jennings said, briefly addressing reporters. “It was just (recently), I was in this very room, congratulating Officer Eyer for becoming Officer of the Month in April. He certainly dedicated his life, and gave his life to serve our citizens.”

Eyer was 31.

In the afternoon, three other officers had died, and four others were wounded. A suspect had fired a high-powered rifle at them, and was shot and killed by law enforcement. Two others in the home were taken into custody.

The incident happened at a home on Galway Drive in the Shannon Park neighborhood when a U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force approached, trying to serve a warrant on a felon for possession of a firearm.

About CMPD Officer Joshua Eyer

Eyer was a member of the 178th recruit class.

He was one of several officers recognized in mid-April “for their dedication and service to CMPD and the Charlotte community,” CMPD said in a Facebook post.

By late Monday, a makeshift memorial could be seen on the steps of CMPD’s uptown headquarters, with a flag and flowers on each of its corners.

Community reacts to Officer Eyer’s death

Reaction was swift to news of the officer’s death. He was the first victim to be identified by authorities.

“Thank you for your service Mr Eyer and to the ones lost, the ones still fighting. You are brave souls.,” one woman wrote on Facebook. “There’s just no words for this. I hope your family and friends find some peace and light in your bravery.”

A woman from Colorado tweeted: “For his family, both blood and blue and for all who love him. I am so sorry for your loss.”

Another woman wrote on social media that she screamed when she saw Eyer’s name in a text. “He was always so nice and always had a smile when he came into my work.”

Summing up many of the emotions of the day, one person said simply on CMPD’s Facebook page: “Blessed are the peacemakers.”

Leave Chief Jennings with the final words Monday. He tweeted: “Tonight, CMPD is heartbroken over the loss of one of our own...

“I am truly grateful for (Officer Eyer’s) bravery, service and ultimate sacrifice. He will never be forgotten, and we are forever indebted.”