Stone Mountain, February 2, 2026
A Gwinnett County police officer was fatally shot and another officer is in critical condition following a confrontation with a suspect at a Stone Mountain hotel. The incident occurred during an investigation into alleged credit card fraud, which escalated when the suspect opened fire. The tragic event marks the first line-of-duty death for the department since 2018. Community responses include flowers and condolences placed at the police headquarters, as the investigation continues into the suspect’s criminal history and the circumstances of the shooting.
Stone Mountain
Law Enforcement Officer Dies, Another Wounded in Hotel Shooting Incident
A Gwinnett County police officer died and another remains hospitalized following a shooting incident on Sunday morning at a hotel near Stone Mountain. The event unfolded after officers responded to a report of credit card fraud, leading to a confrontation with a suspect who opened fire. The tragic loss marks the first line-of-duty death for the Gwinnett County Police Department since 2018, casting a somber light on the inherent risks faced by those who serve to uphold public safety.
Details of the Incident
On Sunday, February 1, 2026, at approximately 7:55 a.m., two officers from the Gwinnett County Police Department were dispatched to the Holiday Inn Express located at 1790 East Park Place Boulevard in Stone Mountain. They were responding to an allegation of credit card theft, which had been reported by an individual from South Carolina claiming their credit card was fraudulently used at the hotel.
Upon arrival, the officers spoke with the front desk manager, who indicated that the room in question was rented to Kevin Andrews, a 35-year-old individual from Decatur, Georgia. The officers proceeded to Andrews’ room and engaged him in conversation regarding the reported fraudulent activity. During this interaction, it was discovered that Andrews had an active warrant for failure to appear out of DeKalb County. When officers attempted to arrest him based on this warrant, Andrews pulled out a handgun.
In what authorities described as an “unprovoked attack,” Andrews fired at both officers, striking them. One of the officers managed to return fire, also hitting the suspect. Additional officers quickly arrived at the scene, securing the area and providing immediate medical aid to all three individuals.
The Officers Affected
Officer Pradeep Tamang, 25, who had joined the Gwinnett County Police Department less than a year ago after graduating from the police academy in May 2025, tragically succumbed to his injuries at Northside Hospital Gwinnett. Officer Tamang was originally from Bhutan and had immigrated to the United States about a decade prior, settling in Pennsylvania before his service in Georgia. He was engaged, and his family is traveling from Pennsylvania to Georgia during this difficult time.
Master Police Officer David Reed was also wounded in the shooting. He sustained multiple gunshot injuries and underwent surgery. His condition has since been reported as critical but stable. Notably, Master Police Officer Reed graduated from the same police academy class as Officer Antwan Toney, another Gwinnett County officer who died in the line of duty in 2018.
The Suspect and Investigation
The alleged shooter, Kevin Andrews, 35, sustained non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. He received medical treatment at a hospital before being released and subsequently booked into the Gwinnett County Jail. Andrews has a lengthy criminal history, including multiple felony convictions for gun, violent crimes, and narcotics offenses, in addition to the active warrant for failure to appear. Charges against Andrews are expected to include murder and aggravated assault, with final charges to be determined by investigators and prosecutors.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is leading the ongoing investigation into the shooting. Once their work is complete, the case will be handed over to the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office for review and prosecution.
Community and Department Response
Gwinnett County Police Chief J.D. McClure addressed the public, affirming that the department “will not be deterred” by this violent attack and will continue to prioritize the safety of the community. He called upon the community for their continued support, acknowledging the strong bond typically shared between citizens and law enforcement in Gwinnett. In a quiet demonstration of shared sorrow and respect, members of the community have begun placing flowers and notes of condolences at the department headquarters.
This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the profound dangers law enforcement officers routinely face. It marks the first time a Gwinnett County officer has died in the line of duty since Officer Antwan Toney was killed in 2018, an event that still resonates within the department and the community. The broader context includes another officer-involved shooting just four days prior in Warner Robins, Georgia, where an officer was critically injured. These moments, though harrowing, often reveal the steadfast commitment of those who stand between order and chaos, reminding us of the human cost carried in the quiet pursuit of justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Gwinnett County on Sunday morning, February 1, 2026?
A Gwinnett County police officer died and another remains hospitalized following a shooting incident on Sunday morning at a hotel near Stone Mountain. The event unfolded after officers responded to a report of credit card fraud, leading to a confrontation with a suspect who opened fire.
When did the shooting occur?
The shooting occurred on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at approximately 7:55 a.m.
Where did the shooting take place?
The incident took place at the Holiday Inn Express located at 1790 East Park Place Boulevard in Stone Mountain, Gwinnett County, Georgia.
Who were the officers involved?
Officer Pradeep Tamang, 25, died from his injuries. Master Police Officer David Reed was wounded and is in critical but stable condition.
Who is the suspect in the shooting?
The alleged shooter is Kevin Andrews, 35, from Decatur, Georgia.
What was the officers’ initial reason for responding to the hotel?
The officers were responding to an allegation of credit card theft.
What is the suspect’s current status and background?
Kevin Andrews sustained non-life-threatening gunshot wounds, received medical treatment, and has since been booked into the Gwinnett County Jail. He has a lengthy criminal history, including multiple felony convictions for gun, violent crimes, and narcotics offenses, as well as an active warrant for failure to appear.
Who is investigating the shooting?
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is leading the ongoing investigation.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date and Time | Sunday, February 1, 2026, approximately 7:55 a.m. |
| Location | Holiday Inn Express, 1790 East Park Place Boulevard, Stone Mountain, Gwinnett County, Georgia |
| Reason for Officer Response | Allegation of credit card theft/fraud |
| Deceased Officer | Officer Pradeep Tamang, 25 years old |
| Injured Officer | Master Police Officer David Reed, in critical but stable condition |
| Suspect | Kevin Andrews, 35 years old, from Decatur, Georgia |
| Suspect Status | Wounded, treated, and booked into Gwinnett County Jail |
| Suspect’s Criminal History | Lengthy, including felony convictions and active warrants |
| Investigating Agency | Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) |
| Historical Context | First Gwinnett County line-of-duty death since Officer Antwan Toney in 2018 |
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