CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings said investigators aren't ruling out the possibility of a second shooter in Monday's deadly standoff in east Charlotte, but acknowledged there's no definitive evidence that suggests multiple people fired at officers.
Eight officers were shot when a U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force was serving a warrant at a home on Galway Drive Monday afternoon. Four law enforcement officials, including a CMPD officer, were killed during the shootout. Four other officers were shot, including a Statesville officer. Plus, a CMPD officer broke their foot on scene. Jennings said 12 CMPD officers fired their weapons during the encounter. They're all on administrative leave pending the investigation's findings.
"We're not ruling out the possibility that someone else was firing as well," Jennings said. "As we go through body-worn camera footage and go through interviews to make sure all that timeline matches up. Once we're able to determine that, we'll determine if we need to look at other individuals or an individual who might have been shooting."
Jennings first mentioned the possibility of a second shooter during a news conference Monday afternoon. On Tuesday, he walked that back a bit, saying officers initially suspected multiple shooters because shots were coming from the front and back of the house. Jennings told Fox News that there's now belief the suspect, 39-year-old Terry Clark Hughes Jr., was moving throughout the house to create the illusion of multiple gunmen.
Jennings alleged Hughes was shooting at officers from upstairs as they approached the house. Hughes came outside at some point and was killed by responding officers. The chief said two women who were found inside the house after Hughes was shot have been cooperating with investigators. He also explained that detectives aren't looking for any additional suspects at this time.
Officers found multiple weapons at the house, including an AR-style rifle and a .40-caliber handgun, according to Jennings, who said agents also discovered "well over" 100 rounds of ammunition and magazines. He said they're still working to determine how Hughes got his guns.
"It's a tragedy that will impact our country for a very long time. It's a scar on Charlotte," Jennings said. "We're a resilient profession and a resilient city, but it will take time. We will need support."
Editor's Note: The Statesville Police Department announced Tuesday evening one of its own officers was among those hurt during the incident. This means five officers were hurt Monday.
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