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A police officer was shot and killed in a North Carolina emergency room Saturday morning, hospital officials confirmed to Fox News Digital.
Kakemed Campus police officer Roger Smith died after being shot in the Garner Healthplex fire at around 9 a.m., according to a staff spokesperson, who said hospital staff are “heartbroken” by his death.
“A college police officer was working in the Emergency Department at the Wakemer Healthplex at the time and a struggle began.
The statement said: “Our thoughts and prayers are now with the Smith family as they come to learn of this tragic event.”
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A police officer was shot and killed in the line of duty at a North Carolina Saturn emergency room Saturday morning, hospital officials confirmed to Fox News Digital. (Google Maps)
The suspect, identified as Bennji Martin Jr., 29, was arrested after the killing, the Garner Police Department confirmed to FOX News Digital.
The hospital praised Garner Healthplex emergency personnel for their “brave and quick response to this incident.”
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Garner Police Department are leading the investigation, which is typical of police-related shootings.
“The bereaved family is coming together to respond and process this tragic event,” the statement said. “Additional staff and counselors are on site to support our Garner Ed and Calcis teams.”
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The hospital praised Garner Healthplex emergency personnel for their “brave and quick response to this incident.” (Google Maps)
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein posted on social media later Saturday that “hearts go out to the family of Officer Roger Smith, who was killed protecting patients and their families.”
He added, “Law enforcement officers risk their lives to keep us safe, and we are so grateful for an officer like Shiffith’s sacrifice.
Charlotte Field’s office also offered a “loyalty to our partners” social media post mourning Smith’s loss.
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“This is a sad and senseless act of violence,” Garner Police Chief Adams said in a statement shared with Fox News Digital. “Officer Smith gave his duty to protect others, even in his last moments, he put the safety of others before his own.
