A tragic shootout unfolded on February 1 at a hotel in Georgia, resulting in the death of one police officer and leaving another critically injured.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has identified the fallen officer as 25-year-old Pradeep Tamang. His partner, Officer David Reed, remains in critical condition but is anticipated to pull through.
According to a GBI press release, the officers had responded to a call at the Holiday Inn in Stone Mountain around 7:30 a.m. after receiving reports of credit card fraud.
The press release detailed that someone from South Carolina had alerted authorities earlier in the day about their credit card being used fraudulently at the hotel.
Upon their arrival, the officers confronted the suspect, 35-year-old Kevin Andrews, regarding the credit card fraud allegations.
As they attempted to take Andrews into custody, he reportedly brandished a handgun and opened fire. The officers returned fire, wounding Andrews, who suffered injuries that were not life-threatening.
Atlanta’s 11Alive News reports that Andrews has a criminal history that includes felony convictions for robbery, gun and narcotics offenses.
His latest charges include:
- Malice murder
- Felony murder
- Aggravated assault upon a public safety officer
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
“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,” Gwinnett County Commission Chair Nicole Love Hendrickson said.
According to Channel 2 Action News, people who wish to assist are asked to visit gwinnettpolicefoundation.org for donations, and select the “Line-of-Duty Support Fund.”
[Feature Photo via Gwinnett County PD]
