A man is dead following a shooting incident involving police during a child custody exchange in Mint Hill, a suburb of Charlotte, North Carolina, on October 24, 2023. The confrontation began when officers responded to a call regarding the custody exchange at an Edible Arrangement store. During this exchange, a male suspect produced a firearm and opened fire on the officers, prompting them to return fire, according to a police statement.
The Mint Hill Police Department reported that two officers were injured during the incident. Initially assessed as being in critical condition, their status was later updated to stable. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the officers involved or specific details regarding the suspect.
Witnesses from a nearby establishment, Empire Pizza, described the scene as chaotic. Manager Kevin Phayme recounted observing two officers enter the store shortly before one was seen assisting the other outside, with blood visible on their hands and face.
Authorities have indicated that a thorough investigation is underway. Crime scene technicians were observed collecting evidence both inside the Edible Arrangement store and the surrounding area. This investigation aims to piece together the circumstances that led to the gunfire exchange.
Mint Hill, with a population of approximately 27,000 residents, is located about 19 kilometers east of Charlotte. The local community is now grappling with the aftermath of this incident, as officials plan to release further updates regarding the investigation and the condition of the injured officers.
As the situation develops, law enforcement agencies have emphasized their commitment to transparency and will provide additional information as it becomes available.
