Officer killed, another critically injured, suspect wounded at Georgia hotel

A Gwinnett County police officer was killed and a second officer critically wounded after an encounter inside a Holiday Inn near Stone Mountain, Georgia, while investigators say a suspect produced a handgun and opened fire during questioning. The suspect was shot by an officer and taken to a hospital; the Georgia Bureau of Investigation is leading the probe.

Officers responded after a caller reported fraudulent use of a credit card at the hotel. Hotel staff directed officers to the room where the man who used the card was staying. Gwinnett County Police Chief J.D. McClure said the suspect greeted officers and invited them into his room, where they began discussing the reported fraud. McClure described the moment the shooting began: “They began discussing the scenario or the incident with him. And at some point the suspect produced a handgun and, in an unprovoked attack, fired at our Gwinnett County police officers.”

Officer Pradeep Tamang, 25, was mortally wounded and later died from his injuries. Master Police Officer David M. Reed was also shot and remains hospitalized; descriptions of Reed’s condition vary between critically wounded, critical but stable, and stable. Authorities identified the suspect as Kevin Andrews, 35, of Decatur. Andrews was shot by one of the officers, transported to a hospital for treatment and is expected to survive, and will be transferred to jail once medically cleared. Officials said Andrews had an active DeKalb County warrant for failure to appear, which prompted officers to attempt an arrest.

The GBI has taken custody of the investigation, following the standard procedure in officer-involved shootings in Georgia. Prosecutors will review investigative findings to determine formal charges. Some reports have cited potential counts including malice murder, felony murder and aggravated assault on a public safety officer, but charging documents have not been released and those details remain subject to verification.

The shooting has prompted an outpouring of local law-enforcement support. Governor Brian Kemp posted that he was “mourning the loss of a brave officer” and “praying for the swift recovery of another,” adding that “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.” Local sheriffs likewise offered condolences; the Camden County Sheriff’s Office said, “No family should have to wonder if their loved one will come home from a shift meant to help others. Our hearts are with the fallen officer's family, loved ones, and agency.” The Gwinnett County Police Department placed Officer Tamang’s patrol vehicle outside headquarters for the public to pay respects, and the Gwinnett County Police Foundation is raising funds to support the officers’ families.

What comes next for the community are answers from the GBI and local prosecutors: full timelines, charging decisions, and updated medical information for Master Police Officer David M. Reed. Residents can expect memorial details and opportunities to support the families as investigators work through evidence, hotel records and warrant paperwork to reconstruct the encounter.