Officer killed by Charlotte gunman was UNC Pembroke graduate, school says

Adam Benson
·2 min read
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PEMBROKE, N.C. (WBTW) — A University of North Carolina-Pembroke graduate was among the four police officers killed in a Monday shootout on Charlotte’s east side, a school official told News13.

Sam Poloche graduated from the school in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, UNC Pembroke spokesman Mark Locklear said.

Poloche was part of a U.S. Marshals Task Force that came under fire Monday afternoon in the 5000 block of Galway Drive near Charlotte’s Shannon Park as authorities tried to serve a warrant.

Poloche was member of the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, assigned to a regional fugitive task force.

North Carolina, Pee Dee law enforcement supporting Charlotte police in wake of deadly shootout

He joined the department in 2013 and leaves behind a wife and two children.

Poloche’s colleague, Alden Elliott, was also killed.

“These officers died as heroes and made the ultimate sacrifice in their service to our state.  We remember them, we honor their service, we send our deepest condolences to their families and friends, and we pray for healing for all affected by this tragic incident,” NCDAC secretary Todd Ishee said in a statement Monday night.

The details of those killed and injured as well as information on the additional suspects were reported by WJZY:

  • Law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty

    • Officer Joshua Eyer, CMPD (Also a Sergeant First Class in the North Carolina Army National Guard – 211th Military Police Company)

    • Samuel Poloche, NC Dept. of Adult Corrections (Member of U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force)

    • William Elliott, NC Dept. of Adult Corrections (Member of U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force)

    • Deputy U.S. Marshal – identity not yet released

  • Suspect killed – Terry Hughes

  • Law enforcement officers injured in the line of duty

    • Three CMPD officers – Identities not yet released

    • Member of U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force – Identity not yet released

  • Two suspects arrested – Identities not yet released

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Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here.

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