A violent confrontation during a planned child custody exchange in the United States has left one man dead and two police officers seriously wounded after a shootout.
Shooting Erupts at Edible Arrangements Store
The incident unfolded on the morning of Friday, 27 December 2025, in Mint Hill, North Carolina. Police were called to an Edible Arrangements store where a custody handover was scheduled. Upon arrival, 35-year-old Tjamel Ali Hamlin II began shooting at the officers.
The police returned fire, resulting in Hamlin being pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed a firearm was recovered following the exchange of gunfire.
Officers Sustain Serious Injuries
Both officers involved were struck by gunfire above the neck. They were initially listed in a critical condition following the traumatic incident. The two wounded men included one officer with 13 years of service and another who had served for just six months.
Thankfully, after receiving urgent medical treatment, both officers were released from hospital by Saturday, 28 December. Their condition was reported as stable, marking a significant improvement from the previous day's critical status.
Aftermath of a Tragic Confrontation
This event highlights the potential dangers police officers can face during what are often volatile domestic situations, such as child custody exchanges. The case is under investigation by relevant authorities to piece together the precise sequence of events that led to the fatal shooting.
The community of Mint Hill has been left shaken by the violence that erupted at a local business, turning a routine police call into a life-threatening scenario for the responding officers.
