Crime
Greensboro Officer Michael Horan killed in line of duty at Food Lion on Lawndale Drive
The suspect responsible for the shooting has been apprehended, and authorities have confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The Greensboro Police Department has confirmed the tragic death of Officer Michael Horan, who was killed in the line of duty Monday morning while responding to a report of an armed individual at the Food Lion located on Lawndale Drive.
The incident unfolded around 11 a.m. when Officer Horan, along with other officers, responded to the call.
During the encounter, Officer Horan was fatally shot.
The suspect responsible for the shooting has been apprehended, and authorities have confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Officer Horan joined the Greensboro Police Department in September 2017 and became a sworn officer in early 2018. He was described by the department as a dedicated officer, a loving husband, father, son, and friend.
The Greensboro Police Department has requested that the community keep Officer Horanโs family, friends, and colleagues in their thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is now leading the investigation into the incident. Additional details will be released as the investigation progresses.
Statement from Food Lion
A spokesperson for Food Lion expressed the companyโs deep sadness regarding the tragedy, saying:
โFood Lion is deeply saddened by the tragedy that occurred at our store located at 4709 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro. We express our deepest condolences to the officerโs family and friends. As this is an active investigation, we are directing all questions to local law enforcement. Food Lion is cooperating with authorities, and the store will remain closed while the police investigation continues. We are providing resources to support our associates during this difficult time.โ
Governorโs Statement
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper also addressed the incident, stating:
โI am in contact with local and state law enforcement regarding the shooting involving a Greensboro Police Officer. We have sent significant state law enforcement personnel who are helping with the response.โ
The Greensboro community is mourning the loss of Officer Horan, who served with dedication and commitment to the safety of the city. Flags at municipal buildings have been lowered in honor of his sacrifice.
This remains a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subjectโs vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorneyโs Office.