A routine child custody exchange in a suburban North Carolina shopping area escalated into a deadly confrontation on Friday morning, leaving one man dead and two police officers wounded. The incident unfolded in Mint Hill, a town east of Charlotte, drawing a swift response from local law enforcement and prompting renewed attention on the risks officers face when responding to domestic-related calls. Authorities say the shooting occurred inside a retail store during what was meant to be a supervised custody exchange, turning a personal dispute into a public tragedy witnessed by nearby employees and customers.
Police identified the man killed as Tjamel Ali Hamlin II, whom officials described as being in his mid-30s. According to the Mint Hill Police Department, officers were dispatched shortly before 11 a.m. to assist with the custody exchange, a scenario that often involves heightened tensions and requires law enforcement presence to prevent conflict. What followed, however, was an outbreak of gunfire that left the community shaken and sent two officers to the hospital with serious injuries.
The shooting has raised questions about how such exchanges are managed, the unpredictable nature of domestic disputes, and the broader implications for public safety in commercial spaces. While investigators have released limited details, the confirmed facts outline a sequence of events that unfolded rapidly and violently.
Shooting During Custody Exchange at Mint Hill Retail Store
Mint Hill police said they were called to an Edible Arrangements store, a location chosen for the custody exchange, at approximately 10:45 a.m. on Friday. Such neutral public locations are sometimes selected to reduce the likelihood of confrontation, particularly in cases where tensions between parties are known to exist. Officers arrived on scene to oversee the exchange and ensure it proceeded without incident.
According to authorities, shortly after officers entered the store, Tjamel Ali Hamlin II opened fire on them. The precise circumstances leading up to the shooting have not been disclosed, and police have not indicated whether there was an argument or other provocation immediately beforehand. What is clear is that the officers were struck by gunfire during the initial moments of the encounter.
The officers returned fire, and Tjamel Ali Hamlin II was fatally wounded at the scene. Emergency medical responders pronounced him dead inside the store. Investigators later recovered the firearm used in the shooting, confirming that only one weapon was involved. Authorities also stated that Hamlin’s family was notified of his death later the same day.
The shooting appeared to occur inside the Edible Arrangements shop, a detail that underscored the suddenness of the violence. Employees at nearby businesses reported hearing gunshots and witnessing the aftermath as officers exited the store. The area was quickly secured by law enforcement, and surrounding businesses were temporarily affected as police conducted their investigation.
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Officials have not released information about the custody case itself, citing privacy concerns. They have also not disclosed whether the exchange involved court orders or previous law enforcement involvement. As of the latest update, investigators have not announced any additional findings regarding Tjamel Ali Hamlin II’s actions or motivations.
Police Officers Wounded, Community Witnesses Aftermath
Both officers struck by gunfire sustained injuries above the neck, a detail that initially heightened concerns about their survival. The Mint Hill Police Department later confirmed that one of the officers is a 13-year veteran of the department, while the other had been on the force for approximately six months. Both were transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
By Saturday, authorities announced that the officers’ conditions had stabilized and that they had been treated and released from the hospital. The update was shared publicly by the department, which expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community and law enforcement agencies across the region.
The incident was witnessed indirectly by employees at neighboring businesses. At Empire Pizza & Bar, staff members were outside on a break when they saw officers enter the Edible Arrangements store. Moments later, they saw the same officers leaving, visibly injured. One officer reportedly had blood on his hands and face, while another appeared seriously wounded.
Kevin Phayme, a manager at the nearby restaurant, described the scene to reporters as chaotic and alarming. He said everything happened quickly, leaving witnesses struggling to process what they were seeing. Phayme noted that the officers were familiar faces in the area, often visiting local businesses, which made the incident particularly distressing for those who recognized them. Phayme later said he was relieved to learn that both officers had stabilized and were released from the hospital, though he emphasized that the emotional impact on witnesses and the community remained significant.
For many in the area, the shooting was a stark reminder of how quickly everyday situations can turn violent. Police presence remained heavy in the area for several hours as investigators processed the scene, interviewed witnesses, and collected evidence. Customers and employees from surrounding stores were advised to avoid the immediate vicinity while the investigation continued.
Ongoing Investigation and Broader Implications
As of Saturday, authorities said the investigation into the shooting was ongoing, though they have released few additional details. The Mint Hill Police Department confirmed that the firearm used in the shooting was recovered and that there was no ongoing threat to the public. No other injuries were reported. Officials have not indicated whether Tjamel Ali Hamlin II had a prior criminal history or whether there were warning signs that the custody exchange could turn violent. They also have not addressed whether additional security measures were in place or could have altered the outcome.
Such questions are often examined in internal reviews following officer-involved shootings, particularly those that occur in public spaces. The involvement of a child custody exchange has drawn attention to the risks associated with domestic disputes, which are widely regarded by law enforcement agencies as among the most unpredictable and dangerous calls officers handle. Custody exchanges, even when supervised, can involve heightened emotions, unresolved conflicts, and, in rare cases, the presence of weapons.
While the child involved in the exchange was not reported to have been harmed, authorities have not released information about the child’s whereabouts at the time of the shooting or what arrangements were made afterward. Such details are typically kept confidential to protect minors. The incident has also prompted discussions within the community about public safety in retail environments. The fact that the shooting occurred inside a small commercial store during business hours has raised concerns among business owners and customers alike.
Police departments often work with courts and families to select locations believed to be neutral and safe, but this case illustrates that no setting is entirely free from risk. In a brief statement, police acknowledged the gravity of the incident and thanked emergency responders, hospital staff, and neighboring law enforcement agencies for their assistance. They also asked for patience as the investigation proceeds and emphasized their commitment to transparency once all facts are established.
With reporting by the Associated Press, the shooting in Mint Hill stands as a sobering example of how quickly a routine call can escalate into a life-ending event. As investigators continue their work, the focus remains on understanding what led to the violence, supporting the wounded officers, and addressing the broader questions raised by the tragedy.