WakeMed Police Officer Killed in Shooting at Garner Healthplex; Suspect in Custody
Garner, N.C. - WakeMed Police Officer Roger Smith was fatally shot Saturday morning while responding to an incident at WakeMed Garner Healthplex, authorities confirmed. A suspect is in custody following the shooting, which prompted a important law enforcement response and temporarily closed the hospital’s emergency department.
The shooting occurred as Officer Smith was working to maintain safety within the healthcare facility. His death has prompted an outpouring of grief from fellow law enforcement agencies and state officials. “My heart goes out to the family of Officer Roger Smith, who was killed protecting patients and their families,” North Carolina Governor Josh posted on X. “Law enforcement officers put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe, and we are forever grateful for Officer Smith’s sacrifice. Please pray for his family and the entire WakeMed community in their time of need.”
WakeMed leadership is cooperating with the State Bureau of Inquiry (SBI) and the Garner Police Department in the investigation, standard procedure for police-related shootings.The Garner Healthplex Emergency Department lobby was temporarily inaccessible, but is expected to reopen Saturday evening.
“We give an enormous amount of gratitude to the Garner Healthplex Emergency department staff for their heroic and quick response to this incident,” WakeMed said in a statement.
The Raleigh Police Department also expressed it’s condolences, stating, “We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of WakeMed Police Officer Roger Smith, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty this morning… please keep Officer Smith’s loved ones and his department in your thoughts and prayers.”
The SBI is assisting Garner Police with the investigation into the shooting,while a separate investigation focuses on the events leading up to the incident. Additional staff and counselors are on-site to support Garner ED and Campus Police teams.
