Crime
Suspect killed in officer-involved shooting following police chase in Lake Worth
Authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in Lake Worth after a police pursuit ended behind a Walmart store.
According to initial reports, officers were pursuing a red pickup truck when the chase concluded in the rear area of the Walmart property.
Law enforcement radio traffic indicated that shots were fired at the scene, and emergency medical services were immediately requested for one suspect who was reported down.
CPR was administered at the location. The driver of the red truck was later pronounced deceased.
Witnesses stated that the pursuit began near the Azle area, with multiple police units following the red truck from the bridge along Azle Avenue.
The vehicle was observed traveling past a Dairy Queen before leaving the roadway and continuing behind the Walmart. Moments later, witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots.
Unconfirmed statements from individuals at the scene indicated that the driver of the red truck may have fired at officers prior to police returning fire. Authorities have not yet officially confirmed these details.
Police have secured the area as investigators work to determine the sequence of events leading up to the shooting.
No information has been released regarding injuries to officers, and officials have not yet provided the identity of the suspect.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected to be released by law enforcement once confirmed.
Crime
Suspect Identified as David Caldwell in Shooting of Two Mint Hill Officers During Child Custody Exchange at Edible Arrangements
MINT HILL, N.C. — Suspect accused of shooting two Mint Hill police officers during a child custody exchange at an Edible Arrangements store as David Caldwell, according to information broadcast over police scanners. Officials have not yet formally confirmed the suspect’s identity in a public release.
Mint Hill Police confirmed that two officers were critically injured during a shootout Friday at the Edible Arrangements location on Matthews–Mint Hill Road.
Officers had responded to the business to assist with a child custody exchange when the suspect allegedly produced a firearm, triggering an exchange of gunfire.
Both officers were struck by gunfire and were transported for emergency medical treatment.
Their conditions were described as critical, and no additional information regarding their identities or current medical status has been released.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is on scene and assisting with the investigation.
Officials noted that SBI involvement is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings to ensure an independent and thorough review of the incident.
The shooting prompted reactions from state leaders and elected officials. North Carolina Senator Woodson Bradley shared a statement on Facebook expressing concern for the officers and their families, while also highlighting the dangers associated with custody exchanges in cases involving domestic abuse.
“This is awful. My heart goes out to the officers and their families, and to the mother who has been dealing with an abusive father of her children that resorted to this,” Bradley wrote. “Custodial exchanges are among the most dangerous situations for a separated or divorced spouse with an abusive ex. I am praying for the recovery of these officers.”
Bradley, a domestic violence survivor, has previously campaigned on issues related to women’s health and domestic violence awareness.
North Carolina Rep. Tricia Cotham also addressed the incident in a post on X, stating she was closely monitoring developments and in contact with authorities.
“My heart is with Mint Hill Police,” Cotham wrote. “I ask for your prayers for all involved.”
Following the shooting, Edible Arrangements issued a statement clarifying that the company was still working to confirm details related to the incident.
“We are aware of reports of a shooting in the Mint Hill, North Carolina area,” the statement read. “At this time, we do not have confirmed information indicating that the incident involved the independently owned Edible Arrangements franchise location or anyone associated with that business. We are actively trying to reach the franchise owner and are monitoring the situation closely.”
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this incident, and we will share additional information if and when we are able to confirm details.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not yet released further information regarding charges, the suspect’s condition, or additional circumstances surrounding the shooting.