GARNER, NC – A veteran police officer was fatally shot Saturday morning while working in the emergency department of a local hospital, with authorities saying he died protecting patients and their families from an armed individual.
Officer Roger Smith, 59, was killed during a confrontation with an armed man in the lobby of WakeMed Garner Healthplex in the 400 block of US-70. The 29-year veteran of the Garner Police Department engaged with the suspect who had entered the emergency department with a weapon.
According to authorities, Smith confronted the armed individual in an attempt to neutralize the threat. During the struggle, the suspect, identified as 29-year-old Benji Martin Jr. of Garner, allegedly shot Smith. Medical staff immediately attempted life-saving measures, but Smith succumbed to his injuries at the facility.
Martin was taken into custody at the scene and has been charged with murder. Garner Police Captain David Casteline said investigators are working to piece together the exact sequence of events that led to the shooting.
“He dedicated his career to protecting others, and in his final moments, Officer Smith continued to prioritize the safety of those around him,” said Garner Police Chief Chris Adams. “His actions undoubtedly prevented further harm to innocent people in that emergency room.”
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein issued a statement praising Smith’s sacrifice. “Officer Smith was killed protecting patients and their families,” Stein said. “We are grateful for his service and thank all law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe.”
Following the shooting, WakeMed patients were transferred to other medical facilities in the area. The hospital temporarily closed but has since reopened and resumed normal operations.
Multiple police departments across the state expressed their condolences to Smith’s family, friends, and colleagues in the wake of the tragedy. The incident marks another loss for law enforcement in North Carolina, where officers face increasing dangers while carrying out their duties.
The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing, with authorities working to determine what brought Martin to the hospital and what motivated the attack. No additional information about the suspect or his background has been released at this time.
