A convicted felon with an active warrant ambushed two Georgia police officers responding to a routine fraud call, killing one hero officer and critically wounding another.
Story Snapshot
- Officer Pradeep Tamang, 25, was killed and Officer David Reed critically wounded after suspect Kevin Andrews opened fire during a fraud investigation at a Stone Mountain hotel
- Andrews, a convicted felon with an outstanding warrant, invited officers into his hotel room before producing a handgun and shooting both officers
- The suspect faces malice murder, felony murder, and illegal firearm possession charges, highlighting failures in our criminal justice system that allowed an armed felon to ambush officers
- Governor Brian Kemp called the tragedy “the latest reminder of the dangers law enforcement face on a daily basis” as they protect Georgia communities
Routine Call Turns Deadly
On February 1, 2026, at approximately 7:55 a.m., Officers Pradeep Tamang and David Reed responded to a Holiday Inn Express at 1790 E. Park Place Boulevard in Stone Mountain to investigate a credit card fraud report. A victim from South Carolina had reported fraudulent charges at the hotel, leading officers to what should have been a straightforward fraud investigation. After speaking with front desk staff who identified the suspect’s room, officers conducted a background check that revealed Kevin Andrews, 35, of Decatur had an active warrant for Failure to Appear out of DeKalb County. What began as routine police work escalated into a deadly confrontation when officers attempted to arrest Andrews on the outstanding warrant.
Ambush Inside Hotel Room
When officers approached Andrews’ hotel room to execute the arrest warrant, the suspect invited them inside in what appeared to be a cooperative gesture. Once inside, Andrews produced a handgun and opened fire on both officers in what Gwinnett County Police Chief J.D. McClure characterized as an “unprovoked attack.” Officer Reed returned fire, wounding Andrews before both officers went down. All three individuals were transported to local hospitals, where Officer Tamang, who had joined the Gwinnett County Police Department in 2024, was pronounced dead. Officer Reed, a department veteran since 2015, remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition. Andrews received treatment for his gunshot wound and is expected to survive.
Watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__vtLT97ruI
Convicted Felon Charged With Murder
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation quickly took over the investigation and filed formal charges against Kevin Andrews. He faces 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 final charge exposes a critical failure in our justice system: Andrews, a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms, had obtained a handgun and used it to murder a police officer. This tragedy exemplifies what happens when criminals who should be disarmed and incarcerated instead roam free with illegal weapons, posing deadly threats to the officers sworn to protect us.
Another Grim Reminder of Officers’ Sacrifice
Governor Brian Kemp issued a statement honoring Officer Tamang’s sacrifice and expressing gratitude for law enforcement officers “who put themselves in harm’s way to protect their fellow Georgians.” Officer Tamang was just 25 years old, beginning what should have been a long career serving his community. Officer Reed, with over a decade of service, fights for his life after doing his job. Meanwhile, the suspect who ambushed them had an outstanding warrant and illegal firearm possession, raising serious questions about prosecutorial priorities and enforcement of existing laws that might have prevented this tragedy.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation continues its investigation, with findings to be presented to the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. As this case moves forward, it serves as yet another stark reminder that supporting law enforcement means more than rhetoric—it requires ensuring convicted felons face consequences, outstanding warrants are prioritized, and officers have the resources and backup they need when confronting dangerous criminals. Officer Tamang paid the ultimate price, and Officer Reed nearly did, because they answered a call to serve their community against those who have no regard for law, order, or human life.
Sources:
GBI Investigates Officer Involved Shooting in Gwinnett County
Police officer killed and critically wounded in shooting at Georgia hotel
Shooting in Georgia hotel room leaves 1 officer killed, another seriously wounded in ‘unprovoked attack’
