Mint Hill police identify man accused of shooting two officers ‘above the neck’
Two Mint Hill police officers shot “above the neck” during a custody exchange dispute Friday have been released from the hospital, according to a Saturday update from the police department.
The identities of the officers have not been released and investigators have not said what prompted 36-year-old Tjamel Ali Hamlin II to pull a firearm.
Hamlin died at the scene and a firearm was recovered, police say. Police said he was killed when he was shot in the exchange of gunfire but did not explicitly say if police shot him.
“In light of the seriousness of their injuries, including both officers having been struck by gunfire above the neck, the department is extremely grateful for their progress and ability to return home so quickly. The department respectfully request privacy for the officers and their families during this time,” police said in a news release.
“One officer is a lieutenant with 13 years of law enforcement experience, and the second officer has six months of service with the Department,” the release stated.
The two officers were shot Friday morning after being called to an incident regarding a child custody exchange at Edible Arrangements in the Mint Hill Commons shopping center.
Court records dating to 2008 show the accused gunman lived in the Mint Hill area, and did not have a history of violent offenses or felonies in North Carolina.
Both officers were initially listed in critical condition, but by Friday afternoon were in stable condition at area hospitals, officials said.
The N.C. State Bureau of Investigation is conducting an independent investigation of the shooting.
There’s been an outpouring of prayers and support for the injured officers on social media, from residents as well as other public officials.
“My prayers are with them and their families for their full recovery,” Gov. Josh Stein posted on Facebook Friday. “Our officers run toward danger every day to keep us all safe. We must do all we can to support them.”
U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis posted that he and his wife were praying for the injured officers. “Our hearts are with their families and fellow officers. God Bless all those who serve and protect.”
This story was originally published December 27, 2025 at 1:28 PM with the headline "Mint Hill police identify man accused of shooting two officers ‘above the neck’."
