GREENSBORO, N.C. — Around 11 a.m. Monday, Greensboro Police Officer Michael Horan responded to reports of an armed man inside the Food Lion on Lawndale Drive. Sadly, Officer Horan was fatally shot during the altercation. He is remembered as a dedicated husband, father, and community servant.
The incident unfolded just before midday when officers were alerted to the presence of the armed suspect. Eyewitnesses like Ramona Miller, who was with her granddaughter at the store, described chaos as shots rang out. "We were on our way out... I heard a ‘pop-pop’ and then ‘pop-pop-pop.’ I think I heard five shots,” Miller recalled. The panic escalated when employees alerted shoppers to the danger, prompting immediate police response.
Authorities announced Horan's death later on Monday during a press conference. Assistant Police Chief Milford J. Harris, addressing the media, said, "He was an excellent officer. He had an outstanding reputation inside the department and in the community." Horan had served with the Greensboro Police Department since being sworn in as an officer in 2018, after joining the force the previous year. Along with his policing career, he had also been part of the U.S. Coast Guard since 2000, showing his unwavering commitment to public service.
A spokesperson for Food Lion expressed the company’s sorrow over the incident, stating, "Food Lion is deeply saddened by the tragedy ... we express our deepest condolences to the officer’s family and friends." The grocery store will remain closed as the investigation, now led by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, continues.
Witnesses describe the scene as unsettling, with heavy police presence following the shooting. Officer Horan’s tragic end came just as the community prepares for the holiday season. This has led local lawmakers to voice their concerns over officer safety, with Democratic state Sen. Michael Garrett stating, "During what should be a time of joy and celebration, another brave officer has been shot in the line of duty. Another family’s holiday season forever changed." His remarks reflect the community's grief and call for increased resources for law enforcement.
Since the officer's death, the Greensboro Police Department has set up memorial arrangements to honor Horan’s legacy. Friends and family have also initiated a memorial fund to support his loved ones during this difficult time. Horan's dedication to serving his community extended beyond his duties; he was honored with the Greensboro Police Department's Medical Life Saving Award for saving two people from drowning.
The investigation remains actively underway, with the suspect taken under custody and more details expected to emerge as authorities piece together the chain of events. The atmosphere around Greensboro is heavy with loss as citizens come to terms with the loss of one of their finest. More updates will be released as the situation develops, and community efforts will continue to support Officer Horan’s family.
