Michael Horan Greensboro NC Obituary Death – The Greensboro Police Department and the community are in mourning after the tragic death of Officer Michael Horan, who was killed in the line of duty just two days before Christmas. Officer Horan, 41, was fatally shot on December 23, 2023, while responding to a call at a Food Lion on Lawndale Drive in northern Greensboro, just off Interstate 840. The call, received just before 11 a.m., reported a man with a firearm inside the store.
Upon arriving at the scene, Officer Horan encountered 34-year-old Tarell Isaac McMillian, who was suspected to be the individual armed with the firearm. According to the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), a brief struggle ensued between Horan and McMillian. McMillian then drew a gun and shot Officer Horan before fleeing the scene in a car. Tragically, Horan was unable to draw or return fire, and despite immediate medical attention, he succumbed to his injuries.
Memorials have been established in Officer Horan’s honor at the Greensboro Police Department, where one memorial will be located outside the headquarters, and the other inside the main lobby. As the community grapples with this loss, questions remain regarding the circumstances that led to the fatal encounter. The SBI continues to investigate, and a manhunt ensued after McMillian fled the scene.
Later that day, a dramatic chase unfolded as deputies in Johnston County spotted McMillian’s vehicle. The pursuit, which was joined by Sampson County deputies and the Highway Patrol, eventually ended in Duplin County, some 150 miles away from Greensboro, near Exit 355 of NC-403. While McMillian was apprehended, additional charges are pending as the investigation unfolds.
Officer Horan, who had been with the Greensboro Police Department since September 2017, was known for his bravery and exemplary service. His reputation within the department was outstanding, and he was beloved by his colleagues and the community alike. In 2019, Officer Horan was awarded a lifesaving award for his heroic actions while vacationing with his family. When he witnessed a man and his son struggling in a rip current off the coast of North Carolina, Horan did not hesitate to put his own life in danger. He swam 60 yards into the water to save both individuals from drowning.
Before joining the Greensboro Police Department, Officer Horan had a distinguished career in the U.S. Coast Guard, where he served from January 2000. During his tenure in the Coast Guard, Horan worked as a Law Enforcement Officer, Tactical Fast Boat Instructor, and Search and Rescue Operator. His dedication to service extended beyond law enforcement, as he also worked as a Lieutenant and Lifeguard at the Beach Haven Beach Patrol in New Jersey from 1995 to 2017.
Officer Horan’s untimely death has left a void in both the police department and the community. His commitment to protecting and serving others was unwavering, and he will be remembered as a true hero. The outpouring of support from local residents, law enforcement agencies, and fellow first responders is a testament to the profound impact Horan had on those around him.
