Garner, N.C. – A WakeMed Health and Hospitals police officer was shot and killed Saturday in the emergency department of the Garner Healthplex, officials said. The shooting prompted a massive law enforcement response and an ongoing investigation.
The fallen officer has been identified as Roger Smith. Details surrounding the shooting remain limited, but authorities confirmed Smith died from his injuries. No information about a suspect or potential charges has been released.
Vendors near the hospital reported a significant police presence following the incident. “We figured it was an accident, but than out of nowhere suddenly fire trucks, ambulances, maybe 19 cop vehicles at one point, and a little while later, one ambulance pulled out with 5 other cop cars behind it,” said vendor Emmalee Northern.”We didn’t hear anything else until we started checking the news.”
WakeMed Health and Hospitals released a statement expressing gratitude for the quick response of the Garner Healthplex Emergency Department staff. “WakeMed leadership is on-site and working with the State Bureau of Investigation and the Garner police Department as is standard with police-related shootings,” the statement read. “The Garner Healthplex Emergency Department lobby remains inaccessible at this time.”
The hospital added that support and counseling services are available for staff and campus police teams affected by the tragic event.
the investigation is ongoing.
