Mint Hill, December 27, 2025
A tragic incident occurred in Mint Hill, North Carolina, when a child custody exchange led to a violent altercation. Two police officers were shot while responding to the scene, and the suspect was killed. Initially reported in critical condition, the officers are now stable. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is collaborating with local police on this serious case, raising concerns about the potential for violence during custody exchanges. Families and law enforcement are now discussing preventive measures to ensure safety during these emotionally charged situations.
Mint Hill
Mint Hill, North Carolina, experienced a deadly incident yesterday, December 26, 2025, when a child custody exchange escalated into violence, resulting in two police officers being shot and the suspect killed. The confrontation occurred just before 11 a.m. at an Edible Arrangements location within a Publix shopping center on Matthews-Mint Hill Road. Two Mint Hill Police officers responded to the scene for a child custody exchange when the suspect reportedly produced a firearm and opened fire. The officers were initially in critical condition but have since been reported as stable. The suspect involved in the shooting was pronounced deceased at the scene. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is actively assisting local police in the ongoing investigation into this serious event. The incident has prompted discussions regarding the potential for violence during emotionally charged child custody exchanges.
Statewide Investigations and Public Safety Concerns
Mecklenburg County In-Custody Death Under Investigation
In Mecklenburg County, the Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the State Bureau of Investigation, is investigating an in-custody death that occurred yesterday, December 26, 2025. Jason Hicks, 42, who had been in custody since December 19, experienced a medical emergency in his housing unit at the Mecklenburg County Detention Center Friday morning. He was transported to Atrium Health Main, where he was pronounced deceased around 8:30 a.m. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death is ongoing.
Human Remains Discovered in Richmond County
Authorities in Richmond County are conducting an investigation following the discovery of human remains yesterday, December 26, 2025. Deputies were called to an undisclosed property in the Ellerbe area to conduct a welfare check, during which the remains were located. The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has stated that the investigation is in its early stages, and details regarding the exact location and the identity of the potential victim have not yet been released. Further information is expected to be shared once the remains are positively identified.
Ashe County Deputies Search for Missing Teenager
The Ashe County Sheriff’s Office issued a public alert yesterday, December 26, 2025, as they actively search for a missing 17-year-old girl, Brianna Lynn Stout. She was reported missing yesterday afternoon and was last seen on foot along Saddle Gap Road in Warrensville. Her direction of travel remains unknown. Brianna Lynn Stout is described as approximately 5 feet 3 inches tall, weighing around 100 pounds, and was last observed wearing a gold beanie, a light blue jacket, and blue jeans. The public is urged to contact the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office at 336-846-5600 with any information regarding her whereabouts.
East Charlotte Shooting Leaves One Seriously Injured
A shooting in east Charlotte on Friday night, December 26, 2025, resulted in one person sustaining serious injuries. The incident occurred just before 9 p.m. on Finchley Drive near Purser Drive. Emergency medical services, specifically MEDIC, responded to the scene and transported the victim to an area hospital to be treated for life-threatening injuries. Further details regarding the shooting or potential suspects have not been released as of now.
State Bureau of Investigation Activity in Raleigh
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) in Raleigh was involved yesterday, December 26, 2025, in an incident concerning a 14-year-old female juvenile and an 18-year-old, Joe Grant Clark III. Specific details surrounding the nature of their involvement are currently under investigation.
FAQ Section
- What happened during the child custody exchange in Mint Hill?
- A child custody exchange in Mint Hill escalated into violence yesterday, December 26, 2025, resulting in two Mint Hill Police officers being shot and the suspect killed. The officers are now in stable condition.
- Who is the missing teenager from Ashe County?
- The missing teenager from Ashe County is 17-year-old Brianna Lynn Stout, who was last seen yesterday, December 26, 2025, on Saddle Gap Road in Warrensville.
- What is the latest on the in-custody death in Mecklenburg County?
- The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office and the State Bureau of Investigation are investigating the in-custody death of 42-year-old Jason Hicks, who died yesterday, December 26, 2025, after a medical emergency at the Mecklenburg County Detention Center.
- Were human remains found recently in North Carolina?
- Yes, human remains were discovered in the Ellerbe area of Richmond County yesterday, December 26, 2025, during a welfare check, and an investigation is underway.
- Was there a shooting in East Charlotte?
- Yes, one person sustained serious injuries in a shooting in east Charlotte on Friday night, December 26, 2025, on Finchley Drive near Purser Drive.
- What was the SBI’s involvement in Raleigh yesterday?
- The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) in Raleigh was involved yesterday, December 26, 2025, in an incident concerning a 14-year-old female juvenile and an 18-year-old, Joe Grant Clark III.
Key Features of Recent North Carolina Incidents
| Incident | Location | Date | Scope | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadly Child Custody Exchange | Mint Hill | December 26, 2025 | State-level | Two officers shot (stable), suspect killed during exchange at Edible Arrangements. SBI assisting. |
| In-Custody Death Investigation | Mecklenburg County (Charlotte) | December 26, 2025 | State-level | 42-year-old Jason Hicks died after medical emergency at Detention Center. MCSO and SBI investigating. |
| Discovery of Human Remains | Richmond County (Ellerbe area) | December 26, 2025 | State-level | Remains found during welfare check; investigation ongoing by Sheriff’s Office. |
| Missing Teenager Search | Ashe County (Warrensville) | December 26, 2025 | State-level | 17-year-old Brianna Lynn Stout last seen on Saddle Gap Road. Public assistance requested. |
| East Charlotte Shooting | East Charlotte | December 26, 2025 | State-level | One person seriously injured on Finchley Drive; taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries. |
| SBI Involvement (Juvenile & Adult) | Raleigh (SBI Activity) | December 26, 2025 | State-level | SBI involved with a 14-year-old female juvenile and an 18-year-old, Joe Grant Clark III. |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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