LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. (AP) — The calm of a suburban Atlanta hotel turned into chaos on Sunday morning when a police investigation escalated into gunfire, leaving one officer dead and another seriously injured.
According to authorities, the suspect, Kevin Andrews, 35, welcomed officers into his hotel room after they were dispatched following reports of credit card fraud. However, during the conversation, he unexpectedly drew a handgun and opened fire, striking Officer Pradeep Tamang fatally and injuring Officer David Reed.
“They began discussing the scenario or the incident with him,” said Gwinnett County Police Chief J.D. McClure during a press briefing. “And at some point, the suspect produced a handgun and, in an unprovoked attack, fired at our Gwinnett County police officers.”
Officer Tamang, who was only 25 years old and had joined the department just last year, succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital. Officer Reed was hospitalized but is reported to be in serious but stable condition.
Following the gunfire, Andrews was also injured in the exchange and is undergoing medical treatment, expected to survive. He has not yet been assigned an attorney.
This tragic event highlights the perils faced by law enforcement officers daily. Georgia's Governor, Brian Kemp, expressed his condolences and acknowledged the dangers inherent in policing on social media, stating, “We are grateful for every one that puts themselves in harm’s way to protect their fellow Georgians.”
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation, with decisions regarding potential charges against Andrews forthcoming.
