Charlotte, December 28, 2025
Charlotte and Mecklenburg County encountered a series of serious events over the holiday weekend, including a violent officer-involved shooting, a tragic in-custody death, and several severe traffic accidents resulting in fatalities. Law enforcement and emergency services responded rapidly while state investigations were initiated into multiple incidents. As the city deals with ongoing traffic disruptions, local authorities continue to manage the situation and support those affected by these events.
Charlotte Experiences Series of Critical Incidents Over Holiday Weekend
Charlotte, North Carolina, and surrounding Mecklenburg County have experienced a challenging period over the past 48 hours, marked by a violent officer-involved shooting, a fatal in-custody death under state investigation, and multiple serious traffic accidents, including a deadly crash in the southern part of the city. These events have prompted rapid responses from local law enforcement and emergency services, with state authorities initiating investigations into some of the most critical incidents.
Officer-Involved Shooting in Mint Hill
On Friday, December 26, 2025, two Mint Hill police officers sustained injuries and a suspect was killed during a child custody exchange in Mint Hill, located in Mecklenburg County. Both officers were discharged from the hospital following the incident. This critical event required a significant law enforcement presence and is currently under investigation by local authorities.
In-Custody Death Prompts State Investigation
Mecklenburg County authorities reported an in-custody death on Friday, December 26, 2025. Jason Hicks, a 42-year-old man, experienced a medical emergency at the Mecklenburg County Detention Center-Central in the early hours of the morning. He was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead later that evening. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Hicks’ death. The sheriff’s office has stated full cooperation with the SBI’s investigation.
The Role of the North Carolina SBI
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is a State-level agency responsible for various criminal investigations and supporting local law enforcement. Established in 1937 and reorganized as an independent cabinet-level agency on December 1, 2023, the SBI investigates deaths in custody, homicides, computer crimes, and other significant incidents across the state. The agency is also committed to training and leverages cutting-edge technology and equipment in its operations. The SBI manages the North Carolina Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAAC), which provides actionable intelligence to federal, state, local, and tribal partners to address immediate and emerging threats.
Fatalities and Injuries from Traffic Accidents
Charlotte has seen several severe traffic incidents within the past two days. A crash in south Charlotte resulted in two fatalities and two injuries, with one victim reportedly rushed to the hospital with life-threatening conditions. Additionally, a pedestrian was hospitalized with potentially life-threatening injuries after being struck by a vehicle late Saturday night near Uptown Charlotte, specifically on Elizabeth Avenue near North Kings Drive. Numerous other traffic accidents, including those with personal injuries and property damage, have been reported across various Charlotte divisions, such as University City, Steele Creek, North, and South, throughout Friday and Saturday.
Ongoing Traffic Conditions
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system continues to log new accident reports and roadway obstructions every few minutes. These incidents contribute to ongoing traffic delays and require prompt responses from emergency services to clear scenes and manage traffic flow. The city’s live traffic maps have reflected these conditions, urging commuters to plan their routes with caution.
Arson Investigation Underway in East Charlotte
Investigators have determined that a large fire at a Charlotte home in the eastern part of the city, which was previously linked to a child abuse case, was intentionally set. Further details on this arson investigation remain under wraps as authorities work to determine the responsible parties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What happened in the Mint Hill officer-involved shooting?
- On Friday, December 26, 2025, two Mint Hill police officers were injured and a suspect was killed during a child custody exchange in Mint Hill, located in Mecklenburg County. Both officers were released from the hospital.
- Who is investigating the in-custody death in Mecklenburg County?
- The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has initiated an investigation into the death of Jason Hicks, 42, who died after a medical emergency at the Mecklenburg County Detention Center-Central on Friday, December 26, 2025.
- Were there any fatal traffic accidents in Charlotte recently?
- Yes, a crash in south Charlotte resulted in two fatalities and two injuries. Additionally, a pedestrian sustained potentially life-threatening injuries after a late Saturday night crash near Uptown Charlotte.
- What is the scope of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI)?
- The North Carolina SBI is a State-level agency that conducts criminal investigations, including deaths in custody, homicides, and computer crimes, and supports local law enforcement across North Carolina.
- Has an arrest been made in the East Charlotte arson case?
- While a large fire at an East Charlotte home linked to a child abuse case was determined to be intentionally set, the article does not specify if any arrests have been made.
Key Incident Overview: Charlotte and Mecklenburg County (December 26-28, 2025)
| Incident Type | Location | Date/Time (Approx.) | Key Outcome | Investigating Agency | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Officer-Involved Shooting | Mint Hill, Mecklenburg County | Friday, Dec 26, 2025 | 2 officers injured, 1 suspect killed | Local Law Enforcement | Mecklenburg County |
| In-Custody Death | Mecklenburg County Detention Center-Central | Friday, Dec 26, 2025 | 1 male (Jason Hicks, 42) died after medical emergency | North Carolina SBI | State-level (SBI investigation), Mecklenburg County (event) |
| Fatal Traffic Accident | South Charlotte | Recent (last 48-72 hours) | 2 killed, 2 injured | Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department | Charlotte |
| Pedestrian Accident | Near Uptown Charlotte (Elizabeth Ave) | Saturday night, Dec 27, 2025 | 1 pedestrian hospitalized with potentially life-threatening injuries | Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department | Charlotte |
| Arson Investigation | East Charlotte Home | Recent (determination made) | Fire intentionally set | Charlotte Fire Investigation Task Force | Charlotte |
Now Happening on X
- @ABC11_WTVD (December 27, 2025, 5:45 AM) A man was killed and two police officers were injured in an exchange of gunfire near Charlotte, highlighting ongoing public safety concerns in the area. View on X
- @ABC11_WTVD (December 26, 2025, 5:30 PM) Reports detail a fatal shooting incident where a man died and two officers sustained injuries during an encounter near Charlotte. View on X
- @wsoctv (December 24, 2025, 1:00 PM) An arrest has been made following a violent incident at a northeast Charlotte apartment complex, where one person was killed and another injured with a metal pipe. View on X
- @WCNCCharlotte (December 24, 2025, 5:37 AM) Police report a person was stabbed to death in northwest Charlotte, prompting an investigation into the circumstances of the fatal attack. View on X
- @WBTV_News (December 23, 2025, 11:23 AM) Authorities are investigating the death of a person who suffered unspecified trauma in northeast Charlotte, with details still emerging. View on X
- @theobserver (December 22, 2025, 3:00 AM) A 911 call led to the discovery of a body in a Charlotte residential neighborhood, as confirmed by CMPD in their ongoing inquiry. View on X
- @TBradleyNC (December 6, 2025, 10:56 AM) Community concerns rise over a series of violent incidents in Charlotte yesterday, including stabbings, shootings, and a large police response to gunfire. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Pedestrian Hospitalized After Uptown Charlotte Crash
Tragic Collision Claims Two Lives in South Charlotte
North Carolina Strengthens Public Transit Safety with New Legislation
Mother Charged After Tragic Death of 1-Year-Old in Charlotte
Apartment Fire Displaces Residents in Gastonia
Violent Child Custody Exchange in Mint Hill Results in Police Shooting
Federal Charges Filed in December Charlotte Light Rail Stabbing
Inmate Dies After Medical Emergency in Charlotte Jail
Violent Incidents Rock Charlotte and Mint Hill Areas
Mint Hill Incident Highlights Community Safety Concerns
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
