Authorities in Gwinnett County, Georgia, are investigating a shooting incident at a suburban Atlanta hotel on Sunday that left one police officer dead and another seriously injured.
According to Gwinnett County Police Chief J.D. McClure, officers were dispatched to the hotel near Stone Mountain, roughly 25 miles northeast of Atlanta, after a report that a credit card had been used fraudulently. Upon arrival, officers were directed by the front desk to the hotel room of the person suspected of using the card.
The officers, identified as 25-year-old Pradeep Tamang and David Reed, approached the room to speak with the suspect. McClure said the individual, 35-year-old Kevin Andrews of Decatur, Georgia, invited the officers inside. While discussing the situation, the suspect produced a firearm and fired at the officers in what authorities described as an unprovoked attack.
Officer Pradeep Tamang, a native of Nepal, was shot and later died from his injuries at a hospital. Tamang had joined the Gwinnett County Police Department last year. He had immigrated to the United States with his family over ten years ago, initially settling in Pennsylvania, and later moved to Georgia in July 2024. His death has deeply affected the department and the local community. Condolences have poured in from colleagues, state officials, and residents.
Officer David Reed was also shot during the encounter and was hospitalized in serious but stable condition. Authorities confirmed that he was receiving care and expected to survive.
The suspect, Kevin Andrews, was shot by one of the officers during the exchange and was taken to a hospital for treatment. Police said he is expected to survive. At this time, it is not known whether Andrews has an attorney who can comment on the case.
The incident is being investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), which routinely handles cases involving law enforcement officers. Chief McClure stated that the GBI, along with local prosecutors, will determine any charges to be filed against Andrews once the investigation is complete.
Governor Brian Kemp issued a statement on social media, noting the dangers law enforcement officers face daily and expressing gratitude for their service in protecting communities across Georgia.
Officials emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and urged the public to avoid speculation. Limited details have been released to ensure accuracy and preserve the integrity of the case.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the risks officers face while responding to routine calls, even those that may initially appear minor, such as investigating fraudulent activity. The Gwinnett County Police Department has extended support to the families of the officers, colleagues, and the wider community during this difficult time.
Funeral or memorial arrangements for Officer Pradeep Tamang have not yet been publicly announced. Community members and fellow officers are expected to honor his service and sacrifice once details are shared. The department continues to focus on supporting the injured officer and cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation into the circumstances of the shooting.
