A Georgia police officer was killed and another seriously injured after an alleged unprovoked shooting inside a hotel room near Atlanta, authorities said, marking another deadly encounter for law enforcement responding to a routine investigation, as reported by The New York Post.
Officer Pradeep Tamang, 25, died from his injuries after being shot on Feb. 1 while attempting to arrest a suspect at a Holiday Inn Express in Stone Mountain, about 20 miles east of Atlanta.
Tamang and fellow officer Cpl. David Reed was responding to suspected credit card fraud when the encounter turned violent, according to law enforcement officials.
Title: Gwinnett County Officer Involved Shooting
Date: (Update) Feb 1, 2026The officers involved have been identified as Master Police Officer David M. Reed #1802 and Police Officer Senior Pradeep Tamang #2741.
Master Police Officer Reed is currently being treated for his… https://t.co/ewfQG2cCSJ pic.twitter.com/voHljQ6DiU
— Gwinnett County Police (@GwinnettPd) February 1, 2026
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The incident unfolded when officers went to a room at the Holiday Inn Express in Stone Mountain, where they had been invited inside during the investigation.
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Police said the suspect, Kevin Andrews, 35, was wanted on an outstanding warrant. When officers attempted to take Andrews into custody, he allegedly opened fire.
“The suspect produced a handgun and, in an unprovoked attack, fired at our Gwinnett County police officers,” police said in a statement.
Both officers returned fire in self-defense. Tamang was critically wounded and later died. Reed sustained serious injuries but survived.
Andrews was also injured during the exchange and was transported for medical treatment. Authorities said his injuries were non-life-threatening.
Police identified Andrews as a serial offender with a lengthy criminal history. Investigators said the officers were acting in the course of their duties and were attempting a lawful arrest when the shooting occurred.
Tamang, who was born in Nepal, was engaged to be married, officials said. His death has drawn tributes from law enforcement leaders and state officials, who highlighted the risks officers face during everyday calls.
“These officers are heroes. They go out to the road every day and face uncertainty,” said Gwinnett County Police Chief JD McClure. “They also understand that at the end of the day, they provide a very valuable service and that is safety.”
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp also commented on the shooting, pointing to the dangers inherent in police work.
“This is the latest reminder of the dangers law enforcement face on a daily basis, and we are grateful for every one that puts themselves in harm’s way to protect their fellow Georgians,” Kemp said.
The investigation is being led by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings.
Authorities said the probe will examine the circumstances surrounding the encounter, including body camera footage, forensic evidence, and witness statements.
Officials did not immediately release additional details about the suspected credit card fraud investigation that led officers to the hotel room.
Police also did not disclose whether Andrews faces additional charges related to the shooting beyond the outstanding warrant that prompted the attempted arrest.
The Holiday Inn Express, where the shooting occurred, remained a focus of investigators as evidence was collected. Law enforcement officials said there was no ongoing threat to the public following the incident.
The shooting has renewed attention on the risks officers face during seemingly routine investigations, particularly when dealing with repeat offenders.
USA: Police officer killed in Atlanta shooting as man opens fire during routine questioning
The officer Pradeep Tamang was a native of Nepal@samikshaa3 brings you this report by @murarka_saloni pic.twitter.com/rKgQKkvOSU
— WION (@WIONews) February 2, 2026
Police leaders said the case serves as a reminder that even standard calls can escalate quickly and without warning.
As the investigation continues, Tamang’s death marks another loss for Georgia law enforcement and adds to the list of officers killed in the line of duty while responding to everyday criminal activity.
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