Stone Mountain, Georgia, February 2, 2026
In a tragic incident in Stone Mountain, Georgia, a Gwinnett County police officer was killed and another was critically injured during an unprovoked attack while investigating a credit card theft. Officer Pradeep Tamang, 25, lost his life, while Officer David Reed is currently recovering in the hospital. The suspect, Kevin Andrews, has been arrested and faces severe charges. The community mourns the loss and shows support for the officers and their families.
Stone Mountain, Georgia
An incident of profound gravity unfolded in Stone Mountain, Gwinnett County, Georgia, on Sunday, February 1, 2026, when a Gwinnett County police officer was killed and another critically injured in what authorities have described as an unprovoked attack. The events transpired at a Holiday Inn Express located in the 1700 block of East Park Place Boulevard. Officers had responded to a call concerning an allegation of credit card theft when the confrontation occurred.
The officer who succumbed to his injuries was identified as Police Officer Senior Pradeep Tamang, 25 years old. His passing marks a somber moment for the community and the law enforcement agency he served. The second officer, Master Police Officer David Reed, sustained multiple gunshot wounds and remains in critical but stable condition. The suspect in the shooting has been identified as 35-year-old Kevin Andrews of Decatur, Georgia.
Details of the Incident
The officers were dispatched to the Holiday Inn Express around 7:30 a.m. on Sunday morning following a report that an individual from South Carolina had their credit card fraudulently used at the hotel. Upon arrival, they were informed by the front desk manager that a room was rented to the suspect, Kevin Andrews. Officers Tamang and Reed then made contact with Andrews at his room, where they were invited inside to discuss the fraudulent activity. During their interaction, and after learning Andrews had an active warrant for failure to appear, the suspect unexpectedly produced a handgun and opened fire on both officers. One of the officers was able to return fire, striking the assailant. Additional officers arrived quickly to secure the scene and administer aid to those wounded. Andrews was also injured, sustaining non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. He is currently in custody and is expected to be transported to the Gwinnett County Jail upon his release from the hospital.
The Officers Involved
The lives touched by this sudden violence reflect the quiet dedication inherent in public service.
Officer Pradeep Tamang
Officer Pradeep Tamang, a native of Nepal, immigrated to the United States over a decade ago. He had honorably served with the Gwinnett County Police Department for nearly one year, having joined in July 2024 and graduating from the 121st Police Academy in May 2025. At 25 years old, he was engaged to be married, a life unfulfilled by this tragic event. His family is reportedly traveling from Pennsylvania to Georgia.
Master Police Officer David Reed
Master Police Officer David Reed is a seasoned member of the Gwinnett County Police Department, with ten years of service. He was shot multiple times and is presently receiving medical care, battling for recovery.
The Suspect and Investigation
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is actively assisting the Gwinnett County Police Department in the ongoing investigation. Kevin Andrews faces severe charges, including one count of Malice Murder, one count of Felony Murder, two counts of Aggravated Assault Upon a Public Safety Officer, and one count of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. This array of charges underscores the gravity of the acts committed.
A Community’s Response
In the aftermath, a palpable sense of loss and concern has settled over the community. Governor Brian Kemp expressed his condolences for Officer Tamang’s death and offered prayers for the recovery of Officer Reed. Tributes, including flowers and notes of remembrance, have begun to appear at the department headquarters, a quiet testament to shared sorrow and respect. The Gwinnett County Police Department has also established an official donation link to support the families of both officers, providing a tangible way for the community to offer solace and assistance. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent risks faced by those who dedicate their lives to maintaining order and ensuring the safety of others, and the enduring human cost of such unprovoked violence.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened in Stone Mountain, Georgia?
- A Gwinnett County police officer was killed and another critically injured in what authorities described as an unprovoked attack during a fraud investigation at a Holiday Inn Express on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
- Who was the officer killed in the incident?
- The officer who died was Police Officer Senior Pradeep Tamang, 25 years old.
- Who was the injured officer?
- The second officer, Master Police Officer David Reed, sustained multiple gunshot wounds and remains in critical but stable condition.
- Who is the suspect in the shooting?
- The suspect has been identified as 35-year-old Kevin Andrews of Decatur, Georgia.
- What charges does Kevin Andrews face?
- Kevin Andrews faces charges including one count of Malice Murder, one count of Felony Murder, two counts of Aggravated Assault Upon a Public Safety Officer, and one count of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
- What was the nature of the call officers were responding to?
- The officers were responding to a call concerning an allegation of credit card theft at the Holiday Inn Express.
- When did the incident occur?
- The incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
- What is the condition of Master Police Officer David Reed?
- Master Police Officer David Reed was shot multiple times and is presently in critical but stable condition.
Key Details of the Incident
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location of Incident | Holiday Inn Express, 1700 block of East Park Place Boulevard, Stone Mountain, Gwinnett County, Georgia |
| Date of Incident | Sunday, February 1, 2026, around 7:30 a.m. |
| Deceased Officer | Police Officer Senior Pradeep Tamang, 25 years old |
| Injured Officer | Master Police Officer David Reed, in critical but stable condition |
| Suspect | Kevin Andrews, 35 years old, of Decatur, Georgia |
| Initial Call | Allegation of credit card theft |
| Nature of Attack | Unprovoked shooting inside a hotel room |
| Suspect’s Charges | Malice Murder, Felony Murder, two counts of Aggravated Assault Upon a Public Safety Officer, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon |
| Investigating Agencies | Gwinnett County Police Department, Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) |
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