POLICE Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Suspected Charlotte Cop Killer had Extensive Criminal Record

In 2010, he served six months in prison after he was convicted on a felony breaking and entering charge related to an incident that occurred the year before, according to the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction.

by Staff
April 30, 2024

The suspect who police say killed four law enforcement officers in Charlotte Monday before he was killed by return fire Monday had an extensive criminal record.

Terry Clark Hughes Jr., 39, was the subject of an arrest warrant for felon in possession of a firearm. Officials say he opened fire on U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force officers as they approached his residence. Three members of the task force— Deputy Marshal Thomas Weeks of the U.S. Marshal’s Service, and Samuel Poloche and William Elliott both from the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections—were killed.

Ad Loading...

Responding Charlotte-Mecklenburg officers also came under fire. One, Officer Joshua Eyer, was killed. Three others were wounded and one was injured.

Hughes served time in prison following multiple felony convictions, including for breaking and entering, fleeing from the police and possession of a firearm, state records show . He's also faced many drug related charges, USA Today reports.

In 2010, he served six months in prison after he was convicted on a felony breaking and entering charge related to an incident that occurred the year before, according to the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction.


In June 2012, he was arrested on charges of speeding to elude arrest. Hughes was convicted of fleeing and possession of a firearm by a felon in October 2012 and served 11 months in prison, according to the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction.

In May 2021, he was arrested on several charges, including possession of marijuana paraphernalia, manufacturing marijuana and eluding arrest in a motor vehicle, according to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office website. He was released on bond, records show.

Ad Loading...

The marijuana charges against Hughes were dismissed by the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office. After Hughes bonded out on the eluding arrest charge, he failed to appear in court, leading to a warrant for his arrest in December 2022 and a pause in court proceedings.

The Mecklenburg County District Attorney's Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment, USA Today reports. The district attorney's office said in a statement it will continue to work with law enforcement to obtain “a complete understanding of the events of this unspeakable tragedy.”



“While we will generally reserve comment until after an investigation has concluded, know that we grieve for the brave law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice yesterday and to the families they leave behind,” the statement said .

Ad Loading...

More Patrol

Thumbnail image for video series POLICE From the Show Floor featuring Polaris Government & Defense.
Patrolby Wayne ParhamNovember 19, 2025

From the Show Floor: Polaris Government & Defense

Learn about Polaris Government & Defense in this video as POLICE visits their show booth to discover their side-by-sides and the advantages they provide for agencies.

Read More →
black background width image of police lights in middle and headline Dashcam Video Officers rescue Man from Burning Car
PatrolNovember 17, 2025

Dashcam Video Shows Officers Rescue Man from Burning Car

Dashcam video released by a New Jersey police department shows two of its officers rescuing an unconscious man from a burning car after a crash.

Read More →
blue background with image of a red dot sight and also second image of the red dot on a handgun lower right
PatrolNovember 17, 2025

Aimpoint COA optic + A-CUT Named Red Dot of the Year

The Aimpoint COA optic + A-CUT system has been named Red Dot of the Year by Guns & Ammo magazine. The new optic system was introduced in January 2025.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Thumbnail for video series POLICE From the Show Floor, with headline text featuring Axon
Patrolby Wayne ParhamNovember 16, 2025

From the Show Floor: Axon

Join POLICE as we visit with Abi Stock, of Axon, to learn about the company’s latest technology offerings, such as Axon Assistant, Form One, and the DFR integration with Skydio.

Read More →
side view of a ballistic helmet in studio setting, black background, with sparks and smoke
PatrolNovember 16, 2025

Back Face Deformation, Brain Injury and Ballistic Helmets – Why the “Dent Doesn’t Matter” Claim Ignores Science

Alex Poythress, co-founder and CEO of Ballistic Armor Co., explains why ballistic helmet buyers should insist on full test data, including BFD measurements, standoff distance, and padding configuration, rather than rely solely on penetration ratings.

Read More →
Pink Streamlight Wedge XT flashlight.
PatrolNovember 13, 2025

Streamlight Marks 15 Years of Support for Breast Cancer Research Foundation With $20k Donation

In its 15th year of supporting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Streamlight donated $20,000 to help in the fight against cancer. Donations were generated through the sale of special Wedge XT models and other pink flashlights.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
center circle image of PTSD Help Expanded surrounded by military and first responder images
PatrolNovember 11, 2025

Police-Led Mental Health Charity Expands to Include Veterans

Talk To Me Post Tour (TTMPT), a non-profit organization that has been providing peer-support programs and professional psychological support for first responders, is now expanding services to military veterans.

Read More →
police officer holding a folded flag and headline for Officer Killed
PatrolNovember 10, 2025

WakeMed Campus Police Officer Killed in Hospital Shooting

A WakeMed Campus Police Officer died after being shot in the lobby of the emergency department at a North Carolina hospital over the weekend.

Read More →
Black background with blue graphic outline of state of Florida and headline Video Released: barricaded Suspect Falls Through Ceiling and Into SWAT Custody.
PatrolNovember 10, 2025

Video Shows Barricaded Suspect Fall Through Ceiling and Into SWAT Custody

Deputies in Indian River County, Florida, apprehended a suspect after he fell through the ceiling with SWAT members waiting below. The sheriff’s department released video of the apprehension.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
thumbnail for video series POLICE From the Show Floor featuring T2 Systems.
Patrolby Wayne ParhamNovember 10, 2025

From the Show Floor: T2 Systems

Learn about T2 Systems and its electronic parking enforcement solutions. Retired Chief John Holland outlines the benefits of using such a system to manage parking enforcement.

Read More →