CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department held a news conference Friday evening where they updated the public on what the investigation into the April 29 shootout that killed four officers in east Charlotte has yielded so far.
CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings thanked everyone who has helped with the investigation when the news conference started, describing that day as a "date that's going to stay with us forever." He then introduced CMPD Deputy Chief Tonya Arrington.
Arrington confirmed there was only one shooter using an AR-15 who shot at officers that day. No other firearms were found inside the house. The shooting took 17 minutes, Arrington said on Friday night.
"That's an eternity," Arrington said. "They were in a gun battle."
Arrington also confirmed the suspect was responsible for everyone who was shot in the line of duty that day as he moved back and forth between three windows. Arrington said there were 10,000 pieces of evidence the department has reviewed, which comprised of 8,903 images, 1,128 body-worn cameras, 65 officer interviews and 765 pieces of physical evidence.
Three law enforcement officers serving on a U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force and one Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officer were killed on April 29 after being met with “active gunfire” from a suspect at an east Charlotte home. A total of nine law enforcement officers were hurt, including three CMPD officers, a U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force member, and one CMPD who suffered a broken foot during the incident.
"There was no friendly fire during this incident," Arrington clarified.
The suspect was killed by police during the shootout. Arrington clarified eight officers did lay down suppressive fire toward a second-story window where they saw movement so they could evacuate the wounded from the scene.
"Circumstances are changing by the minute," Arrington said. "It was an unprecedented tragedy for this community."
The shooting happened when a U.S. Marshals task force was serving warrants at a home on Galway Drive in east Charlotte.
CMPD said the investigation into the shooting is ongoing.
"We will share more when we have further details," Arrington said.
WCNC Charlotte live streamed when it happened.
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