Crime
Suspect Identified as Tjamel Ali Hamlin II in Shooting of Two Mint Hill Officers During Child Custody Exchange at Edible Arrangements
MINT HILL, N.C. — The Mint Hill Police Department announced Saturday that the two officers who were shot during a child custody exchange Friday morning have been treated and released from the hospital and have returned home to continue their recovery.
The shooting occurred at approximately 10:47 a.m. Friday at the Edible Arrangements located on Matthews–Mint Hill Road.
According to police, officers were present to assist with a child custody exchange when a man produced a firearm, leading to an exchange of gunfire between the suspect and responding officers.
Both officers were struck by gunfire above the neck and were initially listed in critical condition.
Despite the severity of their injuries, officials said both officers responded well to treatment and were released from the hospital within a day.
One of the injured officers is a lieutenant with 13 years of law enforcement experience, while the second officer has six months of service with the Mint Hill Police Department.
Police identified the suspect as Tjamel Ali Hamlin II, 35 (date of birth: May 23, 1989). Authorities said Hamlin was shot and killed at the scene.
His family has been notified.
Investigators also confirmed that a firearm was recovered at the location.
The Mint Hill Police Department expressed gratitude for the community’s support in the aftermath of the incident.
“The Mint Hill Police Department sincerely appreciates the continued support, thoughts, and prayers from the community following yesterday’s incident,” the department said in a statement. “In light of the seriousness of their injuries, the Department is extremely grateful for the officers’ progress and their ability to return home so quickly.” Officials also requested privacy for the officers and their families as they recover.
Numerous agencies responded to and assisted with the incident, including the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, Mecklenburg Emergency Management, Mint Hill Fire Department, MEDIC, Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
In accordance with standard protocol for officer-involved shootings, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation has been requested to conduct an independent investigation into the incident.
In parallel, the Mint Hill Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division will carry out a separate administrative review. Officials stated that all additional inquiries related to the investigation should be directed to the SBI.
For reference, authorities noted that additional information related to the case can be found under report number 251226-01755.
TIPP CITY, Ohio — Caleb Flynn has been formally charged in connection with the death of his wife, 37-year-old Ashley Flynn, following an investigation into what was initially reported as a home invasion early Monday morning.
According to Tipp City Police Chief Adkins, Caleb Flynn faces one count of homicide, two counts of felonious assault, and two counts of tampering with evidence.
The charges stem from the fatal shooting that occurred at the couple’s residence on Cunningham Court.
Officers were dispatched at approximately 2:30 a.m. after receiving a report of a burglary in progress.
Upon arrival, they discovered Ashley Flynn inside the home, suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Authorities stated that Flynn’s husband and the couple’s two children were inside the home at the time of the shooting but were not physically injured.
Investigators noted signs of forced entry and believe two gunshots were fired inside the residence. As of Monday evening, police had not publicly identified a suspect.
By Tuesday, Chief Adkins confirmed that the department had contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation to assist with the investigation.
“It’s pretty much taken the manpower of several of our investigators just reviewing the videos that have been coming in,” Adkins told, referring to surveillance footage collected from the neighborhood and surrounding areas.
Subsequent investigative findings led to the arrest and charging of Caleb Flynn.
Ashley Flynn was a well-known educator and coach in the community.
Tipp City Schools confirmed that she served as the volleyball coach at Tippecanoe Middle School, worked as a substitute teacher, and had previously been employed as a full-time teacher within the district.
In a statement posted to social media, the district described her as someone known for “her beautiful smile, warmth, kindness, and the positive impact” she had on students and colleagues.
“Our thoughts are with all who are grieving during this difficult time,” the statement read.
Flynn was also a member of Christian Life Center in Dayton. Pastor Jordan Hansen shared condolences on behalf of the congregation, describing her as “a beloved member of our church, devoted servant of Jesus, and wife, mom, daughter … and so many other roles she fulfilled with grace, devotion, and unconditional love.”
The case remains under active investigation. Authorities have not released additional details regarding a possible motive. Caleb Flynn is currently being held as the judicial process moves forward.
Further updates are expected as court proceedings begin and additional information becomes available.