Suspect arrested after police officer shot during call at grocery store

GREENSBORO, N.C. (WBTV/Gray News) – Authorities say a North Carolina police officer was shot and killed at a grocery store while responding to a suspicious person call. A few hours later, the suspect was arrested.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation says they received a call shortly before 11 a.m. Monday about a suspicious and possibly armed person at a Food Lion supermarket in Greensboro. This is reported by WBTV.

Officer Michael Goran came first at the scene and made contact with the person in the store. The bureau says that after a brief argument, the suspect pulled out a gun and fatally shot Goran before leaving the scene in a vehicle.

Investigators say Greensboro Police Officer Michael Goran was fatally shot while responding to... — Investigators say Greensboro Police Officer Michael Goran was fatally shot while responding to a call about a suspicious person at a Food Lion. His wife and children remained, the police department reports.(Source: Greensboro Police Department)

Investigators say Goran did not have time to draw or fire his weapon. He leaves behind a wife and children, according to the Greensboro Police Department.

“It’s just a tough feeling when you hear this loss, and I think today is a reminder that the dangers of law enforcement — every day — are really pervasive,” said Chet Effler, president of the North Carolina Fraternal Order of Police. “I hope we go through this holiday season and think about this father, this son, this man who went to work today to try to make his community a better place.”

Horan joined the Greensboro Police Department in 2018. according to the statement from Police Chief MJ Harris. Before joining the police force, he spent nearly two decades in the Coast Guard.

“He was a great officer. He had an outstanding reputation in the Department and in the community. We ask that you keep his family, friends and fellow officers in your thoughts and prayers,” the statement read in part.

The department shared a link to website “Help a Hero”.where a fundraiser was organized to help Goran’s family.

Officials say the suspect was found driving a vehicle in Johnston County after 1 p.m.

Deputies from the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office began a pursuit and were joined by deputies from the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office as the suspect entered Sutton Town until the NC State Patrol took control and executed a PIT maneuver.

Officials say they were able to stop the vehicle on Interstate 40 at the Duplin County line and the suspect was taken into custody without incident.

Charges are pending.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings released the following statement following the fatal shooting:

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of a courageous hero who dedicated his life to protecting the Greensboro community. Earlier today, a Greensboro police officer was tragically killed in the line of duty, a hero just doing his job. My heart goes out to the fallen officer, his family and all of @GSO_Police. My thoughts and prayers are with the officer’s loved ones, friends and colleagues. May they find strength and comfort in this incredibly difficult time.”

A Food Lion spokesperson released the following statement:

Food 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 relatives and friends of the officer.

As this is an active investigation, we are referring 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 partners during this difficult time.

Food Lion says the store where the shooting happened is expected to reopen Thursday.