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Neighbor recounts deadly ambush on Charlotte law enforcement

Saing Chhouen said he was ready for work when the tragedy unfolded.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It's been nearly two weeks since four Charlotte-area law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty while trying to serve a warrant. Now, a neighbor who saw and captured the scene on camera is sharing his experience with WCNC Charlotte.

On Monday, April 29, just after 1:30 p.m., Saing Chhouen was heading to work out of his north Charlotte home. 

"I started my truck because I was going to go to work," Chhouen said. "I put the keys in the car."

As he was about to get inside the car, he said the U.S. Marshals showed up and blocked him in. He said he saw officers rush towards the house. At that moment he tried to go back inside, but he was locked out. 

PREVIOUSLY: Here's what we know about the shooting that killed 4 officers and injured 4 others in Charlotte

He said he was stuck in his open garage and had to duck and hide from gunfire. 

Chhouen squatted behind his refrigerator. He saw officers shooting toward the house and some were taking cover behind the items on his property. He pulled out his phone and live-streamed the events while trying to hide. 

"The police told me to go in, and I said I couldn’t my key was stuck in the car," Chhouen said.

Many neighbors like him called it a war zone. He saw officers shot by the suspect before they fired back. Finally, Chhouen's son opened up the door, allowing him to take cover inside. He continued to film from his back window.

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Chhouen said the ambush continued for what felt like hours. He didn't know the suspect, Terry Clark Hughes Jr., too well, but recalled times they spent together when he was just trying to be a good neighbor. 

"On Thanksgiving and Christmas we always told him to come over," Chhoeun said. 

Contact Austin Walker at awalker@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.

WCNC Charlotte wants to hear about your loved one

If your loved one was impacted by this incident, WCNC Charlotte hopes to make this process less painful with our More Than A Number initiative. With your help, we want to share who your loved one was with our viewers in North Carolina and South Carolina. When you're ready, fill out the form below or send us photos, memories and other details about them to desk@wcnc.com.  

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