Stone Mountain Shooting Claims Officer Life Sparks Mourning

On a quiet Sunday morning in Stone Mountain, Georgia, a routine police call turned into a tragedy that has shaken the Gwinnett County community and law enforcement across the region. On February 2, 2026, two Gwinnett County Police officers, Master Police Officer David M. Reed and Police Officer Senior Pradeep Tamang, responded to what initially appeared to be a standard fraud report at a hotel on East Park Place Boulevard. By the end of the encounter, Officer Tamang had lost his life, Officer Reed was fighting for his, and a suspect was in custody facing a litany of serious charges.

According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the officers were dispatched around 7:30 a.m. after a South Carolina resident reported fraudulent use of their credit card at the hotel. The front desk manager identified Kevin Andrews, a 35-year-old man from Decatur, as the individual who had rented the room in question. As Officers Tamang and Reed spoke with Andrews about the alleged fraud, they discovered an active warrant for his arrest out of DeKalb County for failure to appear in court.

What happened next unfolded in a matter of seconds but left a permanent mark on many lives. As the officers attempted to arrest Andrews, he pulled out a handgun and opened fire, striking both Tamang and Reed. The officers returned fire, injuring Andrews. Officer Tamang, just 25 years old and a recent graduate of the police academy, was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries. Officer Reed was critically wounded and required immediate surgery.

In the days following the shooting, the Gwinnett County Police Department provided updates on Reed’s condition. Early Wednesday, police announced that Reed had undergone surgery and was “doing well at this time.” According to department spokesperson Cpl. Angela Carter, Reed’s surgery on Tuesday night involved the removal of a bullet from his face. "The doctor was very happy with the progress that he’s making and how the surgery went," Carter said, offering a rare glimmer of hope amid the somber news. As of February 4, 2026, Reed was reported to be recovering, though the road ahead remains long.

The suspect, Kevin Andrews, was arrested at the scene and now faces a daunting list of charges: malice murder, felony murder, two counts of aggravated assault upon a public safety officer, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to police and WSB-TV, Andrews is no stranger to the criminal justice system. He has three open cases in DeKalb County, including one involving the alleged trafficking of at least 400 grams of methamphetamine. As of Wednesday, he was being held without bond at the Gwinnett County Jail.

The loss of Officer Pradeep Tamang is being felt deeply within the Gwinnett County Police Department, where he had served since July 2024. Tamang had only just completed his training at the police academy in May 2025, making his death all the more poignant. The department and the broader community are coming together to honor his memory and support his loved ones.

A public service celebrating Officer Tamang’s life is scheduled for Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 10 a.m. at 12Stone Church, located at 1322 Buford Drive in Lawrenceville. The church parking lot will open at 8 a.m., with overflow parking available at GateCity Church. Following the service, a procession will escort Tamang’s family and fellow officers to Tim Stewart Funeral Home at 300 Simonton Road. Law enforcement personnel will participate in the procession, and the public is encouraged to line the route in a show of solidarity and respect.

The Gwinnett County Police Foundation has stepped in to collect donations for the families of both Officer Tamang and Officer Reed, recognizing the immense emotional and financial toll such tragedies can exact. The department has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from the public, emphasizing the importance of community in times of crisis.

For those who knew Officer Tamang, his commitment to service stood out. Joining the force less than two years ago, he quickly made an impression as a dedicated and compassionate officer. His death is a stark reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face each day, even on calls that begin as routine investigations.

Officer Reed’s recovery, though encouraging, is a testament to both his resilience and the dangers inherent in police work. The successful surgery to remove a bullet from his face marks a significant step forward, but the journey to full health is likely to be challenging and lengthy. The department’s updates have been cautiously optimistic, with Carter noting the positive outlook from Reed’s medical team.

The incident has also reignited discussions about officer safety, criminal justice, and the complexities of policing in today’s environment. The fact that Andrews was able to open fire during what should have been a straightforward arrest raises questions about the risks officers face when serving warrants and the broader issue of violent crime involving repeat offenders. While the investigation continues, many are reflecting on the circumstances that led to such a devastating outcome.

As the community prepares to say goodbye to Officer Tamang, local leaders and residents alike are grappling with both grief and gratitude. The procession and public service are expected to draw significant attendance, offering a chance for collective mourning and a reaffirmation of support for those who serve and protect.

Meanwhile, the legal process for Kevin Andrews will proceed in the coming weeks. With multiple charges—including two counts of murder—he faces the possibility of life behind bars. The case has already drawn attention due to Andrews’s previous run-ins with the law, particularly the open cases in DeKalb County. Observers and officials will be watching closely as the judicial system addresses the events of that fateful Sunday morning.

In the aftermath of tragedy, the Gwinnett County Police Department, the families of the officers, and the wider community are left to pick up the pieces. The foundation’s fundraising efforts and the plans for Tamang’s memorial reflect a determination to honor sacrifice and provide for those left behind. At the same time, the story serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable dangers faced by law enforcement officers every day.

As Saturday’s service approaches, the community’s response—marked by compassion, unity, and respect—stands as a testament to the enduring bonds that tragedies such as this can forge. The memory of Officer Pradeep Tamang and the ongoing recovery of Officer David Reed will not soon be forgotten in Gwinnett County.