A suspected criminal ambushed two brave Gwinnett County police officers in a Georgia hotel room during a routine fraud investigation, killing one and wounding the other in a stark reminder of the dangers law enforcement faces daily.
Story Highlights
- Officer Pradeep Tamang, 25, a Nepal native who joined the force in 2024, was killed; Officer David Reed, a veteran since 2015, remains in serious but stable condition.
- Suspect Kevin Andrews, 35, from Decatur with an active DeKalb County warrant, invited officers inside then launched an unprovoked handgun attack.
- One officer returned fire, wounding Andrews, who survived treatment and faces charges after the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) probe.
- Gov. Brian Kemp mourned the loss, calling it a reminder of policing hazards amid nationwide concerns over rising threats to officers.
Incident Details Unfold in Gwinnett County
Two Gwinnett County police officers responded to a Holiday Inn Express near Stone Mountain on Sunday morning after a credit card fraud report from an out-of-state caller, possibly South Carolina. The front desk directed them to Room occupied by Kevin Andrews, 35, of Decatur, Georgia. Officers learned of Andrews’ active DeKalb County warrant for failure to appear. Andrews invited the officers inside his room, where discussion began on the fraud allegation and warrant.
Unprovoked Attack Claims Heroic Officer
Andrews suddenly produced a handgun and fired in what Police Chief J.D. McClure described as an unprovoked attack. Officer Pradeep Tamang, 25, a recent Nepal native hire who joined Gwinnett PD in 2024, suffered fatal wounds and died at a hospital. Officer David Reed, who joined in 2015, sustained serious injuries but stabilized by Sunday afternoon. The ambush turned a minor fraud call into a deadly confrontation, underscoring routine risks for police.
Officer Returns Fire, Suspect Survives
Despite being shot, one officer managed to return fire, striking Andrews. The suspect received medical treatment and remained expected to survive before transfer to jail. GBI took over the investigation per standard Georgia protocol for officer-involved shootings, working with prosecutors to determine charges. Chief McClure led a news conference, praising the officers’ bravery amid the chaos. No motive beyond the warrant surfaced in initial reports.
Gov. Brian Kemp issued a statement mourning Tamang’s death and praying for Reed’s recovery, framing the event as the latest reminder of law enforcement dangers. This suburban Atlanta incident highlights how even low-level calls can escalate violently, prompting calls for enhanced officer safety measures.
Implications for Law Enforcement and Communities
The shooting affects Gwinnett PD deeply, with short-term mourning, a funeral for Tamang, and ongoing support for Reed’s family. Long-term, it may spur reviews of protocols for hotel entries and warrant services during non-violent calls. Stone Mountain communities and the local Nepal community grapple with the loss of a dedicated young officer. Politically, it bolsters backing for strong law-and-order policies under President Trump’s administration, emphasizing protection for those who protect us. GBI’s probe continues without further public updates as of early February 2026.
Sources:
Police officer killed, another critically wounded in shooting at Georgia hotel
Police officer killed, another seriously wounded in hotel room shootout in Georgia
Police officer killed, another critically wounded in shooting at Georgia hotel
