MINT HILL, N.C. (AP) — A tragic incident unfolded on Friday when a man was fatally shot after engaging in gunfire with police during a child custody handover in a Charlotte suburb, officials reported.

According to a social media statement by the Mint Hill Police, two officers were injured in the altercation and are currently in critical condition.

The situation escalated at an Edible Arrangement store around 10:45 a.m. when Mint Hill officers arrived on the scene. The man brandished a firearm, initiating a shootout in which officers fired back, resulting in his death.

Witnessing the aftermath, employees from the nearby Empire Pizza, who were on a smoke break, observed two officers entering the store. Manager Kevin Phayme recounted seeing one officer assisting the other outside, with blood visible on their hands.

Mint Hill, home to approximately 27,000 residents, is located about 12 miles (19 kilometers) east of Charlotte.

Mint Hill is a suburb of about 27,000 people about 12 miles (19 kilometers) east of Charlotte.