North Carolina police officer fatally shot inside supermarket; suspect arrested after pursuit
GREENSBORO, N.C. — A Greensboro police officer was fatally shot inside a local Food Lion supermarket on Monday while responding to a report of a suspicious, possibly armed individual, authorities said. The suspect, an Instacart shopper identified as 34-year-old Tarell McMillian, was arrested hours later after a multi-county pursuit.
Officer Michael Horan was the first to arrive at the Food Lion on Lawndale Drive after a 911 call reported a suspicious person in the store. According to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Horan confronted McMillian, who allegedly drew a gun and shot the officer during a brief struggle, leaving Horan without time to draw his own weapon.
McMillian fled the scene in a vehicle, setting off an hours-long manhunt that ended with his arrest in Johnston County. Authorities say he was taken into custody without incident and is charged with first-degree murder. He is being held without bond.
Horan, a decorated officer with a 16-year career in law enforcement, was remembered by colleagues for his bravery and commitment to the community. Greensboro Police Chief John Thompson called his death a devastating loss for the department. “Officer Horan was an exemplary officer who dedicated his life to serving and protecting others,” Thompson said in a statement. “We’re grateful to everyone who worked tirelessly to bring the suspect to justice.”
McMillian, an independent contractor for Instacart, was in the middle of fulfilling a grocery delivery order at the time of the shooting. The delivery app company said in a statement that McMillian had passed a background check before being hired but has since been removed from their platform.
“Officer Horan’s death has shaken our community, and we remain committed to supporting his family and colleagues during this tragedy,” Instacart stated, calling the violence “incomprehensible.”
Officer Horan had previously been recognized for his heroism, earning a lifesaving award in 2019 for rescuing two swimmers caught in a rip current while off-duty. A fundraiser has been set up through the “Help a Hero” initiative to support Horan’s family in the wake of his death.
