Tragedy at WakeMed Garner Healthplex
A campus police officer was fatally shot on Saturday morning during a violent confrontation in the emergency department of a North Carolina hospital. The incident occurred at approximately 9am at the WakeMed Garner Healthplex, claiming the life of WakeMed campus police officer Roger Smith.
Investigation Underway
According to official statements from both WakeMed and the Garner police department, a 'person of interest' is currently in custody. The emergency department lobby was immediately closed following the shooting, with hospital officials cooperating fully with local police and state investigators.
While details remain limited, authorities confirmed the officer was killed during a physical struggle. Further information about the circumstances leading to the shooting has not been released to the public at this time.
Community and Official Response
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein expressed his condolences in a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. 'Law enforcement officers put themselves in harm's way to keep us safe, and we are forever grateful for officer Smith's sacrifice,' the governor wrote.
The city of Garner, with a population of roughly 31,000 people, is situated just south of Raleigh in central North Carolina. The WakeMed police department is responsible for patrolling six facilities within the healthcare system, including the Garner hospital where the tragedy unfolded.
These officers are sworn law enforcement personnel who undergo all police training mandated by state law, equipped to handle security matters across the medical campuses they serve.
