Dallas officer killed in ambush remembered by family in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Senior Cpl. Lorne Ahrens was one of five officers shot and killed during Thursday night’s sniper attack in Dallas.

Members of Ahrens’ family, who live in the Charlotte area, spoke about the terrible loss.

“I'm proud of him for being there, supporting Dallas,” said half-brother Jeffrey Sonner.

“Being there for the protesters.  Doing his civic duty.”

Sonner said he first learned what was happening in Dallas, when he came across an article on social media.  Their mother, Charleen, tried calling Ahrens’ wife, then Lorne, but neither answered.

By 3:30 Friday morning, she got the call that Ahrens did not survive.

Sonner said the two brothers, more than a decade apart, shared most of their memories as children. The two grew up together in Los Angeles County California, until the younger Sonner and their mother relocated to Charlotte.

“I do remember a lot when he had a full head of hair. The '80s hairdo,” Sonner said.

He explained the two lost contact over the years, with their mother Charleen keeping in touch via text message and an occasional visit to Dallas.

Now Sonner is faced with words he wish he shared, but no longer has the chance.

“That I really do miss him. I’m proud of the person he was. I’m proud of him for being there, supporting Dallas, being there for the protesters, doing his civic duty,” Sonner said.

For Ahrens’ mother, still too emotional to speak about the loss, instead released a statement:

“My son Lorne was a devoted family man. He was kind, compassionate, and truly enjoyed being an officer,” she wrote.

“He always showed that he was mature and a natural born leader.  We are still in shock and we are thankful for all the people sending their condolences and prayers.

"Lorne will be deeply missed.”

Sonner said the Dallas Police Department has been supportive of their family, and made arrangements for their travel to Dallas.

They’re expected to fly out Tuesday for his funeral on Wednesday in Plano, Texas.

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