CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A day after four law enforcement officers were killed, and five others were injured, the Charlotte police chief says the city's criminal justice system is "overwhelmed."
"We're overwhelmed in the court system, our district attorney is overwhelmed with the docket that we see within Charlotte-Mecklenburg," Johnny Jennings, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department chief, said Tuesday standing alongside other elected and law enforcement officials. "I don't have an answer for that but what I can tell you is that I am focused on holding people accountable for the crimes that they commit."
North Carolina's largest city is mourning the loss of four law enforcement officers killed Monday. One of those officers, Joshua Eyer, worked for Jennings' department and was recently named Officer of the Month.
"We will also be indebted to Officer Eyer for his bravery and his sacrifice for this professional," Jennings said. "He certainly dedicated his life and gave his life to serve our citizens."
Eyer, who was a six-year veteran of the department, leaves behind a wife and a three-year-old son.
"It's just been very tough knowing that you have families that are hurting right now," Jennings said as he wiped away tears. "We'll get through it."
Jennings said he is "overwhelmed" by the outpouring of support from fellow law enforcement agencies and the Charlotte community.
Crime data shows Charlotte has been combating a trend of violent crimes. In March, CMPD announced a series of initiatives to combat violent crimes. Those initiatives included added patrols in high-crime areas.
Ever will be remembered during a memorial service Friday in Uptown Charlotte.
The shooting on Galway Drive in Charlotte on Monday also killed law enforcement officers Alden Elliott, Sam Poloche and Thomas Weeks. Four other CMPD officers and a Statesville officer were injured in the hours-long stand-off.
The suspect in the shooting, Terry Clark Hughes Jr., died during the stand-off with police.
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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