GARNER, N.C. — Garner Police responded to a call about a shooting at WakeMed Garner Healthplex on Saturday morning.
A WakeMed police officer was shot and killed during the incident while on morning duty, according to the hospital.
Police and Wake County EMS responded to the hospital around 9 a.m. Saturday, ABC 11 reports.
Officials said that officer Roger Smith was working in the emergency department lobby when “a struggle ensued”, the hospital reported to ABC 11.
He died from his injuries.
“We give an enormous amount of gratitude to the Garner Healthplex Emergency Department staff for their heroic and quick response to this incident,” the hospital said in a statement. “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 Garner Healthplex Emergency Department lobby remains inaccessible at this time.”
The WakeMed Garner Healthplex is located on the 400 block of US-70 in Garner.
A suspect has been charged, Garner Police said Saturday afternoon. Benji Martin Jr., 29, of Garner, has been charged with murder in connection with Smith’s death, according to ABC 11.
No additional details have been made available.
This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.
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