A violent confrontation during a child custody exchange in a Charlotte-area suburb left one man dead and two police officers wounded on Friday morning, authorities in North Carolina said.
The shooting unfolded shortly before 11 a.m. in Mint Hill, a community of roughly 27,000 residents located about 12 miles east of Charlotte. Police were called to the scene to assist with a custody exchange between adults when the situation suddenly escalated into gunfire.
According to Mint Hill Police, officers responded to a call at a commercial shopping area where the exchange was taking place inside a retail store. Authorities said the man involved in the dispute pulled out a firearm and opened fire on responding officers. Police returned fire, striking the suspect, who was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Two Mint Hill police officers were injured during the exchange of gunfire. Initial reports indicated the officers were in critical condition, but police later confirmed that both were stabilized and receiving medical treatment. Their injuries were described as serious but non-life-threatening.
Witnesses in nearby businesses described chaotic moments as the shooting unfolded. Employees at a neighboring pizza restaurant said they were outside on a break when they saw officers rush into the store. Moments later, one officer was seen helping another exit the building, both visibly injured.
“There was blood on their hands and faces,” said a nearby business manager who spoke with reporters at the scene. “It all happened very fast.”
Emergency responders quickly secured the area, and police tape was placed around the storefronts as investigators began processing the scene. Crime scene technicians were seen photographing the interior of the business and collecting evidence outside, while officers canvassed the area for witnesses.
Authorities have not released the name of the man who was killed, nor have they provided details about his relationship to the child involved in the custody exchange. Police also declined to say whether the child was present at the time of the shooting or whether anyone else was physically harmed.
In a statement issued Friday evening, the company whose storefront was involved said it had no indication the incident was connected to its employees or operations. The company added that it was working to contact the franchise owner and cooperating fully with law enforcement.
Investigators said more information would be released once the preliminary investigation is complete. As is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings, the case will be reviewed by an independent agency to determine whether departmental policies were followed.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the Mint Hill community, which is generally considered a quiet suburban area. Local officials expressed concern over the violence and emphasized the risks officers face when responding to domestic-related calls, which are often unpredictable.
Law enforcement experts note that custody exchanges are among the most emotionally charged situations police are called to manage, particularly when tensions between parties are already high. Officers are frequently dispatched to ensure the safety of all involved, especially children, but such calls can escalate rapidly.
Residents in the area reported a heavy police presence throughout the day as roads were partially closed and businesses temporarily shut down during the investigation. Normal operations gradually resumed later in the afternoon once the scene was cleared.
Officials urged the public to avoid speculation while the investigation continues and asked witnesses or anyone with relevant information to contact police. Counseling resources were also expected to be made available to officers and community members affected by the incident.
The shooting remains under active investigation.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
