GREENSBORO, N.C. — Tarell Isaac McMillian, 34, has been identified as the suspect in the first-degree murder of Greensboro Police Officer Michael Horan. Officer Horan was killed on December 23rd while responding to a call at a Food Lion store in northern Greensboro. Reports of a man with a firearm inside the store came in just before 11 a.m.
Shortly after arriving, Officer Horan encountered McMillian, and a brief struggle ensued. Police say McMillian then shot the officer before fleeing the scene in a vehicle. The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) reports that Officer Horan did not have time to draw his weapon. Assistant Police Chief MJ Harris stated during a Monday afternoon press conference that the circumstances leading to the shooting are under investigation.
Officer Horan, hired in 2017 and sworn in as an officer in 2018, was described by the Greensboro Police Department as an “excellent” officer with an outstanding reputation. He is survived by his wife and children. Memorials have been set up in his honor at police headquarters, both inside the main lobby and outside. The Greensboro Police Officer Association has also established an online fundraiser to support Horan’s family.
A high-speed chase, spanning 150 miles and involving law enforcement agencies from multiple counties (Johnston, Sampson, and Duplin), ultimately led to McMillian’s apprehension. The chase began in Johnston County and concluded near Warsaw at Exit 355 (NC-403) on the Duplin County line. According to the SBI, charges against McMillian are pending.
Food Lion released a statement expressing sadness over the incident and stating their cooperation with the ongoing investigation. The store remains closed.
The Greensboro Police Department has requested the SBI lead the investigation. Governor Roy Cooper offered condolences to Officer Horan’s family and fellow officers, praising his courageous service and calling the act of violence senseless.
Tragically, Officer Horan is the second Greensboro police officer killed in the past 12 months. Officer Philip Dale Nix was fatally shot on December 30, 2023, while off-duty and attempting to stop a crime at a Sheetz convenience store. Three individuals were arrested in connection with Nix’s death.