Lawrenceville, Georgia – In a deadly and shocking incident that has rattled the community and law enforcement agencies across the state, a Gwinnett County police officer was killed and another critically injured during a hotel room shooting on Sunday morning. The violence occurred while officers were responding to a fraud-related complaint, highlighting the unpredictable dangers officers face daily. This article provides a full account of what happened, who was involved, and the ongoing investigation into the tragedy.
The gravity of this incident has drawn national attention and deep condolences from government leaders and the local community.
Officer Dies Responding to Fraud Call
Two officers from the Gwinnett County Police Department responded to a call at the Holiday Inn Express on East Park Place Boulevard in Stone Mountain, Georgia, at approximately 7:30 a.m., following reports that a room had been rented using a fraudulent credit card.
When they located the suspect’s room, identified as belonging to 35-year-old Kevin Andrews, the officers were invited inside. During the conversation, Andrews suddenly produced a handgun and fired at the officers in an unprovoked attack.
Officer Pradeep Tamang was struck multiple times and later died at Northside Hospital Gwinnett. The 25-year-old, originally from Nepal, had been with the department since the spring of 2025 and was described as a dedicated officer by colleagues.
The second officer, Corporal David Reed, was also shot and transported to the hospital in critical but stable condition.
Suspect Shot and Hospitalized
During the exchange of gunfire, one of the officers returned fire and wounded the suspect. Andrews was taken to a medical facility and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Once stabilized, law enforcement authorities plan to book him into the Gwinnett County Jail.
Preliminary reports indicate Andrews had active warrants, including for failure to appear in DeKalb County. Police also noted a lengthy criminal history involving violent offenses, firearms, and narcotics.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has taken over the investigation pursuant to standard procedure for officer-involved shootings in the state. Once complete, the case file will be forwarded to the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office for charging determinations, which could include murder and aggravated assault counts.
Community Reaction and Official Condolences
News of Officer Tamang’s death sparked an outpouring of grief and support from across Georgia and the nation. Governor Brian Kemp posted on social media to honor the sacrifice of the officers and extend thoughts and prayers to their families. He emphasized that the tragedy is a stark reminder of the daily dangers law enforcement officers face while protecting their communities.
In Lawrenceville, citizens began leaving flowers and messages of condolence at the department’s headquarters. Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson called for unity and compassion, urging residents to support the injured officer’s family and those affected by the tragedy.
Officer Tamang’s Life and Legacy
Pradeep Tamang’s death struck a particularly emotional chord because of his story. Born in Nepal, he immigrated to the U.S. about a decade ago with hopes of building a life and serving his adopted community. He joined the police force in 2025 and was engaged to be married, according to local reports, adding a profound personal loss for his family and loved ones.
Colleagues remember Tamang as a committed and courageous officer who embodied the spirit of public service. The department has established support resources for his family and fellow officers as they grieve.
Broader Impact and Concerns for Officer Safety
This incident marks one of the early law enforcement fatalities in Georgia for 2026 and underscores ongoing concerns about the risks officers face during routine calls. Police leaders stress that even seemingly standard investigations can turn deadly in seconds.
Law enforcement advocacy groups and police unions have called for renewed focus on officer safety protocols and community support mechanisms. Many highlight that unpredictability in police work requires continuous training, adequate equipment, and strong community partnerships to prevent future tragedies.
Facts at a Glance
Bullet points summarizing key details:
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Officers were responding to a suspected fraud/credit card theft call at a hotel in Stone Mountain, Georgia.
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Officer Pradeep Tamang, 25, died from his injuries at a hospital.
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Corporal David Reed remains in serious but stable condition.
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Suspect Kevin Andrews was shot and treated, expected to survive.
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The GBI is leading the investigation, with charges pending.
Looking Ahead
As the investigation continues, faith in the justice system remains high among officials. The community of Gwinnett County is mourning but resilient, rallying around the families affected and emphasizing the need to support those who dedicate their lives to public safety.
The tragic loss of Officer Tamang has reminded many that beneath the badge is a human being with dreams, relationships, and a family forever changed. His sacrifice will not be forgotten by those who work beside him and the residents whose lives he protected.
What are your thoughts on this incident? Share your views in the comments below and use the hashtag #JusticeForOfficerTamang if you are discussing this on social media.
