Stone Mountain police answered a routine fraud call early Sunday that turned into a nightmare for the Gwinnett County community. At about 7:30 a.m., two officers walked into a Holiday Inn Express on East Park Place Boulevard to check on a report of possible credit card fraud. What happened next left one officer dead and another fighting for his life.
Officer Senior Pradeep Tamang, a 25‑year‑old who had been with the Gwinnett County Police Department since mid‑2024, was shot inside the hotel room by a suspect who had invited the officers in during their inquiry. Tamang was rushed to Northside Hospital Gwinnett but later died from his injuries.
His partner, Corporal David M. Reed, was also struck by gunfire. Reed, a seasoned officer who joined the force in 2015, was taken into surgery and remains in serious but stable condition. Both officers returned fire, wounding the suspect before medics arrived.
Police identified the suspect as 35‑year‑old Kevin Andrews of Decatur. After being shot by officers, Andrews was hospitalized with injuries not considered life‑threatening. Once released, he is expected to be booked into the Gwinnett County Jail. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has taken over the case, which remains active.
Officials said officers were responding to a tip from another state about a credit card used without permission to rent a room to Andrews. When officers spoke with hotel staff and then Andrews, he reportedly had an active warrant for failure to appear in court.
Chief J.D. McClure described the shooting as an “unprovoked attack,” and urged the community to rally around the department and the families of the officers. Neighbors and fellow officers have already begun leaving flowers and notes of support outside department headquarters.
Tamang’s death is a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers faced by law enforcement every day. He was engaged to be married and is remembered by colleagues and community members as a dedicated young man who chose a career protecting others.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation continues to gather evidence and interview witnesses. Once the investigation is complete, the case will be turned over to the Gwinnett County District Attorney for review.
