Senior Officer Pradeep Tamang, 25, was shot and killed on Feb. 1 while responding to a call at a Holiday Inn Express in Gwinnett County, Georgia.
According to authorities, Tamang and fellow officer David Reed went to the hotel on East Park Place Boulevard after reports of suspected credit card fraud. The location is in the Stone Mountain area, roughly 20 miles from Atlanta.
Police said the officers were invited into a hotel room by Kevin Andrews, 35, who had an active arrest warrant out of DeKalb County. When they attempted to take him into custody, investigators say Andrews produced a handgun and began firing.
“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 what authorities described as self-defense. Tamang later died from his injuries. Reed was left in critical condition. Andrews survived with non-life-threatening injuries.
Andrews is described as having a lengthy criminal record. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is leading the inquiry into the shooting.
Gwinnett County Police Chief JD McClure publicly praised the two officers.
“These officers are heroes. They go out to the road every day and face uncertainty,” McClure said. “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 addressed the tragedy, noting the daily risks law enforcement officers encounter.
“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.
Tamang, who was born in Nepal and was engaged, was 25 years old.
A family remembers the officer who helped their child
Beyond the headlines, members of the Gwinnett County community are speaking about the officer they knew personally.
Tyana Rutledge, a local mother, said she was overcome with emotion when she learned Tamang had died.
Rutledge explained that weeks earlier, her 11-year-old son, who has autism, experienced a severe mental health episode that required police assistance. She called the Gwinnett County Police Department for help.
“I live near the south precinct and Officer Tamang, he responded,” Rutledge said. “He was very professional. He helped search for my son, and he helped get him home.”
She added that Tamang showed compassion during a frightening moment for her family.
“He even offered to take him to McDonald’s,” she said.
In a written post recounting the incident, Rutledge described the encounter in greater detail.
“My 11-year-old autistic child was experiencing a severe mental health crisis that ultimately led to hospitalization. During that frightening situation, Officer Tamang was incredibly kind, patient, and professional. He truly went above and beyond to help calm my child and worked hard to explore every possible option to help get him home safely,” she wrote.
Now, Rutledge says her thoughts are with Tamang’s loved ones.
“I want to send my condolences to the family of Officer Tamang. He didn’t deserve this at all. His fiancé, I want to send my condolences to her especially,” she said.
As investigators continue to examine the events of Feb. 1, community members and state leaders alike are remembering a young officer whose service extended beyond the call that ultimately cost him his life.
