Former Beach Haven patrolman killed in North Carolina grocery store shooting
A Greensboro, North Carolina, police officer who was killed in a Christmas Eve grocery store shooting had served as a lieutenant, lifeguard and instructor in Beach Haven for more than 20 years, officials said.
Michael T. Horan, 44, was shot and killed on Dec. 23 while responding to a report of an armed man at the Food Lion restaurant in Greensboro, authorities said.
Tarell Isaac McMillian, 34, of Greensboro, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in Holland’s killing, Greensboro police said Tuesday. McMillian is being held without bail at the Gulliford County Jail.
Holland was hired by the Greensboro Police Department in 2017 and quickly developed a reputation for bravery. In 2019, while visiting Emerald Isle, North Carolina, with his family, he risked his life and swam 60 yards into the ocean to save a man and his son from being caught in a rip current, Help Heroes reported. website.
“Simply put, we are heartbroken,” Greensboro City Manager Trey Davis said at a news conference.
Holland seemed content with the ocean. He served on the Beach Haven Beach Patrol from 1995 to 2017 and has been a member of the U.S. Coast Guard since 2000, Help a Hero said.
Former Beach Patrol Captain Michael Lawrence told Philadelphia’s WPVI-TV that Holland was a consummate professional who would help people off the beach and get them home.
“He just made people laugh. He made people feel comfortable. You just wanted to be around him,” Lawrence said. “He was one of those charismatic guys.”
According to a statement from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Holland was the first person to arrive at Food Lion after receiving the 911 call.
According to the department, Holland was killed “after a brief struggle” with “no time to draw or fire.”
USA TODAY contributed to this story.
Michael L. Diamond is a business reporter who has been writing about New Jersey’s economy and health care industry since 1999.
This article originally appeared in the Asbury Park Press: Former Beach Haven patrolman killed in North Carolina grocery store shooting
