Police officer killed in North Carolina grocery store shooting just days before Christmas

A North Carolina police officer was killed Monday morning when an armed man open fired inside a Greensboro Food Lion grocery store.

Greensboro Police Officer Michael Horan, 44, was the first to arrive at the store after a 911 call was made about a suspicious man, who was possibly armed, inside the store. 

After a brief struggle, the man pulled out a gun and shot Horan, before leaving the scene by car at about 11 a.m., according to a news release from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI).

Horan "did not have time to draw or fire his weapon," according to the release.

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Nearly two hours later, authorities said the man was found driving in Johnston County. Deputies from the Johnston County and Sampson County sheriffs' offices chased the car as it entered Sutton Town.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol stopped the car on I-40 near the Duplin County line using a PIT maneuver, according to the release. The man, who has not yet been identified, was taken into custody without incident. 

Charges are pending, according to authorities. The SBI is leading the investigation at the request of the Guilford County District Attorney.

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The police department described Horan as a loving husband and father with an "outstanding reputation" within the department and community.

"We ask that you please keep his family, friends and fellow officers in your thoughts and prayers," a spokesperson said Monday afternoon.

A Food Lion spokesperson expressed condolences in a statement provided to Fox News Digital.

"Food Lion is deeply saddened by the tragedy that occurred at our store located at 4709 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro," the company wrote in the statement. "We express our deepest condolences to the officer’s family and friends."

Food Lion noted it is cooperating with authorities and the store will remain closed.

"We are providing resources to support our associates during this difficult time," the statement read.

In a statement released on social media, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper noted he is in contact with local and state law enforcement regarding the shooting.

"We have sent significant state law enforcement personnel who are helping with the response," according to Cooper.

Horan served with the Greensboro Police Department since 2018, according to officials.