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, two days before Christmas, while responding to a call at a Food Lion 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. Greensboro police report that McMillian then shot the officer before fleeing the scene in a car. The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) stated that Officer Horan did not have time to draw his weapon. Assistant Police Chief MJ Harris said during a Monday afternoon news 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, one outside and one in the main lobby. The Greensboro Police Officer Association has also established an online fundraiser to support Horan’s family.
A high-speed chase, spanning approximately 150 miles and ending in Duplin County, was later linked to the case. Sources from sister station WTVD reported that the chase began in Johnston County after deputies spotted the suspect vehicle. Sampson County deputies joined the pursuit, which was ultimately taken over by the Highway Patrol. The chase concluded near Warsaw at Exit 355 (NC-403) on the Duplin County line. The SBI stated that charges were pending against the suspect.
Food Lion released a statement expressing deep sadness over the incident and confirming their cooperation with law enforcement. The store remained closed while the investigation continued. Greensboro Police have requested that the SBI lead the investigation.
Governor Roy Cooper offered condolences to Officer Horan’s family and fellow officers, praising the fallen officer’s courageous service and condemning the senseless act of violence. This marks the second Greensboro police officer killed in the past 12 months. Officer Philip Dale Nix was off-duty when he was fatally shot on December 30, 2023, while attempting to stop a crime at a Sheetz convenience store. Three individuals were arrested in connection with Nix’s death.