What began as a routine police-supervised child custody exchange on a peaceful post-Christmas morning devolved into a scene of deadly attack, exposing the inherent dangers law enforcement officers face even in seemingly domestic situations. Two Mint Hill police officers were shot and wounded when an armed suspect suddenly opened fire outside an Edible Arrangements store. The suspect was killed in the ensuing shootout, and state and federal investigators have launched a multi-agency probe into the officer-involved shooting.
Story Highlights
- Two Mint Hill police officers shot during supervised custody exchange, both now stable after initial critical condition.
- Armed suspect killed at scene outside Edible Arrangements store on December 26, 2025.
- FBI and State Bureau of Investigation launched multi-agency probe into the shooting.
- Governor and congressional leaders rally behind wounded officers with prayers and support.
Officers Ambushed During Routine Duty
Two Mint Hill Police officers arrived at approximately 11:00 AM on December 26, 2025, to supervise a child custody exchange at an Edible Arrangements store on Matthews-Mint Hill Road. The officers were performing a standard duty designed to ensure safe handoffs in potentially volatile domestic situations. Without warning, a man involved in the exchange pulled out a gun and opened fire on the responding officers, turning a peaceful post-Christmas morning into a scene of crime.
Both officers sustained gunshot wounds and were initially reported in critical condition before their status improved to stable later that afternoon. The suspect was killed during the ensuing shootout, though his identity remains withheld pending the ongoing investigation. This attack underscores the daily risks our men and women in blue face, even during seemingly routine calls that are meant to protect families and children.
Multi-Agency Response Ensures Accountability
The shooting triggered an immediate response from multiple law enforcement agencies committed to a thorough investigation. The State Bureau of Investigation and FBI joined Mint Hill Police Department investigators at the scene, which remained active well into the evening. Evidence collection proceeded methodically while crime tape secured the area and traffic was redirected around Brighton Park Road and Evans Road exits. The involvement of state and federal agencies ensures transparency and accountability in this officer-involved shooting.
Nearby businesses, including Empire Pizza, witnessed the rapid law enforcement response as multiple agencies converged on the commercial strip. The professional handling of the scene demonstrates the coordination between local, state, and federal authorities when officers are targeted. Despite the crisis, no additional civilians were harmed, and the threat was neutralized quickly to protect the surrounding community.
Leadership Stands Behind Wounded Officers
Governor Josh Stein immediately issued a statement supporting the wounded officers and their families, declaring, “My prayers are with them and their families for their full recovery. Our officers run toward danger every day to keep us all safe, and we must do what we can to support them.” Congressman Pat Harrigan also offered prayers for the officers and their families, while Mecklenburg County commissioners expressed their concern and support.
The unified response from state and local leadership reinforces the critical role police play in protecting our communities, particularly in domestic situations that can escalate without warning. This incident may prompt enhanced security protocols for police-supervised custody exchanges, as law enforcement agencies work to better protect officers who put themselves in harm’s way to keep families safe during difficult transitions.
Watch the report: Two officers shot, suspect killed during child custody exchange in Mint Hill; lawmakers respond
Sources:
- 2 Mint Hill police officers stable after being shot following child custody exchange
- Mint Hill officers released from hospital after shooting, suspect identified :: WRAL.com
- Two officers critically injured in Mint Hill shooting
- Officers released from hospital after getting shot in head during child custody exchange – WSOC TV