A man in North Carolina was fatally shot after he allegedly opened fire during a child custody exchange in a suburb located about 19 miles from Charlotte.
The Mint Hill Police Department responded to the situation around 11 a.m. on Friday at a shopping center with an Edible Arrangements store. Reports indicate that the area was busy at the time due to the custody exchange. The reason behind the 9-1-1 call remains unclear.
Upon arrival, officers stated the man “pulled out a firearm” and began firing at them. The police returned fire, resulting in the man’s death.
According to Kevin Fame, a manager at a nearby pizza establishment, he witnessed two employees entering the store during a break, one of whom later came out with blood on his hands.
Two officers involved in the incident were hospitalized but are currently in stable condition, as per police updates.
Mint Hill Police released a statement saying, “This incident remains under active investigation, and additional information will be released tomorrow.”
Agents from the North Carolina Bureau of Investigation also arrived at the scene to assist with the ongoing investigation.
North Carolina Senator Ted Budd expressed his condolences for the injured officers via social media. He acknowledged the risks taken by law enforcement to ensure community safety and extended prayers for the officers affected by the incident.
“Our law enforcement officers take extraordinary risks to keep our communities safe,” he stated. “Our hearts go out to everyone at the Mint Hill Police Department and to all the brave officers injured in yesterday’s horrific events. Join me in praying for a speedy recovery for our heroes.”
