LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. (AP) — In a tragic turn of events at a suburban Atlanta hotel on Sunday, a man questioned by police opened fire on two officers, killing one officer and seriously wounding another, according to authorities.
The shooting suspect, later identified as 35-year-old Kevin Andrews from Decatur, was also shot and is currently receiving medical treatment, with an expected full recovery, said Gwinnett County Police Chief J.D. McClure during a news briefing.
This unfortunate incident unfolded on Sunday morning near Stone Mountain, about 25 miles northeast of Atlanta. Officers were dispatched following reports from another state regarding fraudulent usage of a credit card at the hotel. Upon arrival, the front desk clerk directed them to the suspect's room.
Chief McClure explained that Andrews welcomed the officers into his room, where they began discussing the incident. In an unexpected and unprovoked attack, he produced a handgun and opened fire on the Gwinnett County police officers.
Officer Pradeep Tamang, 25, tragically died from his injuries after being taken to the hospital. A Nepalese native, Tamang had only joined the police force last year. Meanwhile, Officer David Reed is hospitalized in serious but stable condition.
Governor Brian Kemp expressed his condolences, emphasizing the ongoing dangers that law enforcement faces daily while protecting citizens. The investigation into the incident has been assigned to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which will determine potential charges against Andrews.
