2 injured Mint Hill officers expected to recover after shooting during child custody exchange
MINT HILL, N.C. (WBTV) – Two Mint Hill police officers are in critical but stable condition on Friday night after a shooting sent them to the hospital Friday morning.
Mint Hill police were called to the Edible Arrangements in the Mint Hill Commons shopping center on Matthews-Mint Hill Road around 10:45 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 26.
Police said it was for a child custody exchange, and a man pulled out a gun and began to shoot. Police said that the man was shot and killed, and the two officers were seriously injured.
Thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the two officers who are still recovering. People in the community and across the state have been sharing their support.
Kevin Phayme is the General Manager of the Empire Pizza that sits just across from the Edible Arrangements in the Mint Hill shopping center.
“The response was to let’s come inside, lock the doors, until we get further information,” Phayme said. “Let’s secure our business and make sure everybody is safe.”
Phayme said he watched as investigators came in moments after the shooting. He said he and his staff have formed a good relationship with local law enforcement.
“The officers here at Mint Hill, our hearts go out to them because they come to Empire Pizza often and they frequent here so our prayers go out to them and their families,” Phayme said.
WBTV got video of a police escort leading an ambulance to the hospital. Monroe’s Mayor Robert Burns posted that the two officers — who have still not been identified — underwent surgery.
Phayme said this is a safe community.
“You never hear anything like this happening in Mint Hill they do a great job of keeping the place safe and the community safe and you know whenever they stop through we always try to make sure we take care of them and just thank them for their services that they provide,” Phayme said
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured officers and their families, and we are grateful for the courage and professionalism of all those who serve to keep our community safe,” Mint Hill’s Mayor Dale Dalton said.
It’s a sentiment Phayme and hundreds of others have shared for the two recovering officers.
“So, our prayers just go out to them. We wish them all the best and it’s unfortunate once again that this took place, one day after Christmas,” Phayme said.
North Carolina State Representative Tricia Cotham also shared support for the officers
“Our heartfelt prayers and deepest gratitude remain with these selfless heroes,” Cotham said.
Her post also shares that the officers will make a full recovery and are expected to be released from the hospital on Saturday.
WBTV is working with Mint Hill Police to get that confirmed.
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