MINT HILL, N.C. — Two Mint Hill police officers have been released from the hospital after being shot during a child custody exchange that escalated to violence in a shopping center on Friday morning. The incident resulted in the death of the suspect, Tjamel Ali Hamlin ll, involved.
The shooting occurred at Edible Arrangements in the Publix shopping center just before 11 a.m. Mint Hill Police Department initially reported the officers were in critical condition; however, they have both returned home.
The officers responded to the shopping center due to an issue related to the child custody exchange when Hamlin reportedly pulled a gun and shot at them.
Witness Kevin Phayme, who owns Empire Pizza and Bar across the street from the scene, described the rapid unfolding of events. “Everything happened so quickly, just seeing the officer and blood on his hands and another one down,” Phayme said.
Following the shooting, Phayme noticed that the officers were being loaded onto gurneys, and he observed, “They didn’t have to provide CPR, which was a good sign.” This detail highlights the hope for the officers’ recovery despite the seriousness of their injuries.
Phayme expressed a deep concern for the officers, stating, “They’re hard working, they always keep Hill safe. You never hear anything like this happening in Hill because they do a great job of keeping the place safe.”
Sen. Woodson Bradley, familiar with the dangers faced during custody exchanges, commented on the situation. She said, “When you’re in a post-separation or post-divorce abusive situation is the most dangerous encounter you will have with your ex.”
Bradley emphasized the need for legislative measures to protect parents in these volatile situations, stating, “This is a very real and far too common situation, so while it is hard to find the words, we’ve got to talk about it.”
She Bradley expressed concern for the children involved in the custody exchange. She noted, “and then the children, was it one child, was it multiple children, what did they see, what are they gonna carry with them.”
Bradley’s worries reflect the emotional impact that incidents like this can have, especially during the holiday season.
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North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein released a statement regarding the incident, expressing support for the wounded officers.
He stated, “My prayers are with the officers and their families for their full recovery. Our officers run toward danger every day to keep us all safe. We must do all we can to support them.”
This is a developing story. Tune in to Eyewitness News and check back with wsoctv.com for updates.
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