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LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. (AP) — In a tragic encounter at a suburban Atlanta hotel on Sunday, two police officers were shot after being invited into a suspect’s room, resulting in one officer’s death and leaving the other seriously injured, according to authorities.
Gwinnett County Police Chief J.D. McClure reported during a news conference that the suspect, who was also shot by one of the officers, is receiving medical treatment and is expected to survive.
The violent incident unfolded Sunday morning near Stone Mountain, approximately 25 miles northeast of Atlanta. Officers were called to the hotel following a report from an out-of-state individual who claimed their credit card had been fraudulently used at the location, as stated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Hotel staff directed the officers to the room connected to the credit card use.
According to McClure, the suspect welcomed the officers at his hotel room door and invited them inside.
“They began discussing the situation with him,” McClure explained. “At some point, the suspect unexpectedly drew a handgun and opened fire on our Gwinnett County police officers in an unprovoked attack.”
Officer Pradeep Tamang, 25, died from his injuries at a hospital, McClure said. A native of Nepal, Tamang had joined the police department last year.
Office David Reed was hospitalized in serious but stable condition Sunday afternoon, the police chief said.
“This is the latest reminder of the dangers law enforcement face on a daily basis, and we are grateful for every one that puts themselves in harm’s way to protect their fellow Georgians,” Gov. Brian Kemp said on the social media platform X.
McClure identified the shooting suspect as 35-year-old Kevin Andrews of Decatur, Georgia. It was not immediately known whether Andrews had an attorney who could comment on his behalf.
The investigation has been turned over to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which customarily handles shootings involving law enforcement officers in the state. McClure said it would be up to the GBI and local prosecutors to decide what charges to bring against Andrews.