eb. 1 (UPI) — One police officer was killed and another wounded in a shooting Sunday at a suburban Atlanta hotel, according to authorities, who said the gunman has been arrested.
The shooting occurred Sunday morning in Stone Mountain, located northeast of Atlanta, the Gwinnett County Police Department said in a statement.
Two officers with the Gwinnett County Police Department were responding to a fraud call at the Holiday Inn Express on 1790 E. Park Place Boulevard shortly before 8 a.m. EST. After the officers made contact, the subject opened fire, striking both Gwinnett County officers.
The suspect, who has since been identified as 35-year-old Kevin Andrews of Decatur, Ga., was struck by return fire, sustaining non-life-threatening injuries.
Officer Pradeep Tamang died from injuries sustained in the shooting, the Gwinnett County Police Department said, adding that the other officer, David M. Reed, underwent surgery at a hospital where he remains in critical but stable condition.
“Our hearts are with the families of Officer Pradeep Tamang and with MPO David Reed, their loved ones and the entire Gwinnett County Police Department during this incredibly difficult time,” Nicole Love Hendrickson, chair of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners, said in a statement.
“We are deeply grateful for their continued dedication, and we stand united with our officers, their families and all of you as we navigate this challenging time together.”
Tamang joined the Gwinnett County Police Department in July 2024. Reed, a master police officer, has been with the force since September 2015.
Andrews, the suspect, will be transported to Gwinnett County Jail once he is released from the hospital, authorities said.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which is investigating the shooting, said in a statement that the officers were called to the hotel in response to a South Carolina individual stating their credit card had been fraudulently used there.
The hotel desk manager advised Tamang and Reed that the room in question was being rented to Andrews, whom they spoke to about the alleged fraudulent use of the credit card.
After learning Andrews had an active warrant for failure to appear in DeKalb County, Tamang and Reed attempted to arrest the man, who allegedly pulled out a handgun and fired on the officers.
Andrews has been charged with one count each of malice murder, felony murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and two counts of aggravated assault upon a public safety officer.
“Today, we join @GwinnettPD in mourning the loss of a brave officer and are praying for the swift recovery of another,” Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said in a statement on X.
“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.”
