Unprovoked Attack at Gwinnett County Hotel Leaves One Officer Dead, Another Injured

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — A Gwinnett County police officer was killed and another officer was seriously injured following a shooting inside a hotel room near Stone Mountain early Sunday morning, according to authorities.

The incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Express located on Parke Plaza Circle near East Park Place. Gwinnett County Police Chief J.D. McClure said officers responded to the hotel after being invited to a room to investigate a reported fraud.

During the encounter, police said the suspect, identified as 35-year-old Kevin Andrews, produced a firearm and opened fire in what investigators described as an unprovoked attack.

Police Officer Senior Pradeep Tamang, 25, was transported to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Master Police Officer David Reed was also shot and remains hospitalized in serious but stable condition.

Andrews was wounded during the incident and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation confirmed he has been charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault on a peace officer, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Authorities said Andrews has a lengthy criminal history, including multiple felony convictions involving firearms, violent offenses, and narcotics, and had outstanding warrants at the time of the shooting.

Chief McClure said additional officers responded to the scene and provided medical assistance to everyone involved. He emphasized that the department remains committed to public safety despite the loss.

“We as a police department will not be deterred,” McClure said. “We will continue to provide for the safety of the community. We ask that you continue to support us.”

Officer Tamang had been with the Gwinnett County Police Department for less than a year and graduated from the police academy in May 2025. He immigrated to the Pennsylvania area approximately 10 years ago. His death marks the first Gwinnett County officer killed in the line of duty since Officer Antwan Toney was fatally shot in 2018. McClure noted that Officer Reed graduated from the same police academy class as Toney.

The owners of the Holiday Inn Express, Vipul Patel and Kataki Patel, released a statement expressing heartbreak over the loss of Officer Tamang and wishing Officer Reed a full recovery.

“We owe an immense debt of gratitude to the men and women who put their lives on the line every single day to keep our communities safe,” the statement read. “Yesterday, a young officer—just beginning his career—did not make it home.”

They also described witnessing the grief and strength displayed by fellow officers as deeply devastating.

The Gwinnett County Police Foundation has activated its Line-of-Duty Support Fund to assist the officers and their families. Donations can be made through the foundation’s official platform.

Source: Gwinnett County officer dead, another officer injured in ‘unprovoked attack’ at hotel, WSB-TV, February 2026.

Our Perspective at Georgia Victims

Georgia Victims – Violent incidents involving law enforcement officers responding to calls for service underscore the unpredictable dangers officers face while protecting their communities. Events like this leave families, fellow officers, and entire communities grappling with sudden loss, trauma, and unanswered questions.

When shootings occur during official responses, questions may arise about prior criminal histories, outstanding warrants, and how dangerous situations escalate so rapidly. Families affected by line-of-duty deaths or serious injuries may also need guidance navigating available support resources, benefits, and legal rights during an incredibly difficult time.

Understanding what happened, how risks unfolded, and what resources are available can be critical for those impacted by violent crime involving public servants.

In incidents involving violent crime, key questions often focus on the environment surrounding the event and whether reasonable security or proactive measures could have reduced risks. Families navigating the aftermath may seek guidance about their rights, available support resources, or potential legal avenues if negligence contributed to unsafe conditions.

Were you recently injured in a shooting, violent crime, or harmed due to someone’s negligence? Have questions, need support, or want to speak with someone about your rights as a victim? Contact The Warlick Firm today. We offer legal assistance, if desired, and represent clients on a contingency agreement—meaning no fees are owed unless we recover for you.

A deadly shooting inside a hotel room during a police response raises serious questions about safety, security oversight, and the conditions that allowed a violent encounter to unfold in a commercial lodging setting.

Questions may arise as to whether reasonable security measures were in place at the hotel, such as monitoring of common areas, procedures for responding to reported criminal activity, or other precautions that could help identify or mitigate potential risks.

• Were adequate security measures in place, such as surveillance coverage, on-site security presence, or proper monitoring of high-traffic areas?
• Did the property owner or management know about prior safety issues, disturbances, or incidents that could indicate the need for increased security?
• Could stronger precautions or timely interventions—including better lighting, active security patrols, or improved oversight—have helped reduce the risk of violence or deter dangerous behavior?

Under Georgia premises liability law, property owners and management companies may be held responsible if insufficient security contributes to preventable harm. When foreseeable risks are not addressed, families affected by violent crime may have grounds to explore a legal claim.

Were you recently injured in a shooting, violent crime, or harmed due to someone’s negligence? Have questions, need support, or want to speak with someone about your rights as a victim? Contact us today. We offer our legal assistance, if desired.  We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover.  

When safety failures occur, the impact can be permanent. Read more about how Georgia Victims supports survivors and families across Georgia in the pursuit of justice after violent incidents.

Image source: Holiday Inn Express located on Parke Plaza Circle near East Park Place.