Man charged in Gwinnett officer’s death had more than 20 previous arrests, was paralyzed from prior shooting

Written by: A. Smith

Published February 4, 2026 @ 10:00 AM ET

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. – A Gwinnett County police officer is being remembered as a dedicated public servant as new details emerge about the suspect accused of ambushing officers inside a Stone Mountain hotel room, killing one and critically injuring another.

Senior Officer Pradeep Tamang, 25, was shot and killed Sunday morning while responding to a credit card fraud call at a Holiday Inn Express. Master Police Officer David M. Reed was also shot during the encounter and remains hospitalized. Gwinnett County police have not released a new update on Reed’s condition, but continue to ask the public to keep him and his family in their prayers. A celebration of life for Tamang is scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. at 12Stone Church in Lawrenceville, followed by a procession to Tim Stewart Funeral Home. Outside police headquarters, Tamang’s patrol car has become a memorial, surrounded by flowers, cards, and stuffed animals left by grieving community members.

Investigators say the shooting happened after officers were allowed into a hotel room rented to 35-year-old Kevin Andrews Jr., who was being questioned about the fraudulent use of a stolen credit card. During the encounter, officers learned Andrews had an active bench warrant for failure to appear on several felony charges, including aggravated assault and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, when officers attempted to arrest him, Andrews pulled out a handgun and opened fire. A warrant charging Andrews with malice murder states Tamang was shot multiple times. Reed was critically wounded but was able to return fire, striking Andrews.

Newly obtained jail video shows Andrews being booked into the Gwinnett County Jail Monday afternoon after being released from the hospital. He was escorted in by more than a dozen deputies. According to records reviewed by 11Alive, Andrews has been paralyzed since a separate, unrelated shooting several years ago. Authorities have confirmed Andrews was injured during the hotel shooting but have not specified the location of those injuries, emphasizing that his use of a wheelchair was not the result of the officer-involved shooting.

Jail records show Andrews has been arrested more than 20 times since 2007, including at least 22 bookings in DeKalb County. He is a convicted felon, which legally bars him from possessing a firearm. Andrews now faces multiple charges, including malice murder.

As more details about Andrews’ criminal history and open cases come to light, some officers and former officers have voiced growing frustration and concern over how someone with such an extensive record was free and armed. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation continues to lead the investigation, which will later be reviewed by the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office.