Georgia Hotel Shooting: Officer Killed, Another Wounded in ‘Unprovoked Attack’
A shooting incident in Georgia has resulted in the tragic death of one police officer and left another seriously injured. The event unfolded on a Sunday morning at a Holiday Inn Express near Stone Mountain, approximately 25 miles northeast of Atlanta.
Details of the Georgia Hotel Shooting
Authorities reported that the suspect, identified as 35-year-old Kevin Andrews from Decatur, engaged with officers after inviting them into his hotel room. The officers, Pradeep Tamang and David Reed, were responding to a report of fraudulent credit card use connected to Andrews.
Incident Background
The officers were alerted by a South Carolina individual who discovered unauthorized charges on their credit card. Upon investigation, they learned that Andrews had an active warrant for his arrest in DeKalb County and proceeded to his hotel room.
- Event: Officers approached Andrews at the hotel.
- Action: Andrews invited them inside for discussion.
During the conversation, Andrews unexpectedly drew a handgun and opened fire on the officers in what was described as an “unprovoked attack.”
Officer Casualties
Officer Pradeep Tamang, only 25 years old and a new addition to the Gwinnett County Police force, succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. Officer David Reed, in active duty since 2015, is currently hospitalized with serious, but stable injuries.
- Officer Pradeep Tamang: Deceased.
- Officer David Reed: Seriously wounded.
Suspect’s Condition and Charges
Kevin Andrews was injured during the exchange of gunfire and is in a hospital where he is expected to recover. Once medically cleared, he will be taken to county jail. He faces serious charges, including:
- Malice murder
- Felony murder
- Aggravated assault on a public safety officer
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is overseeing the ongoing investigation, which will eventually be forwarded to the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office.
Community Response
Governor Brian Kemp expressed condolences regarding Officer Tamang’s death and offered prayers for Officer Reed’s recovery. He emphasized the risks law enforcement officers face every day while serving the community.
This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in police work, highlighting the need for continued support for law enforcement agencies across Georgia.
