A suspect has been charged with murder in the shooting death of a police officer in the emergency room of a North Carolina hospital on Saturday, authorities said.
Officer Roger Smith was shot and killed while on duty at the WakeMed Garner Healthplex in the town of Garner at 9 a.m. after a “struggle,” WakeMed Health & Hospitals said in a statement. Police said he was 59.
Benji Martin Jr., 29, of Garner, was charged with murder in Smith’s death, Garner Police Capt. David Casteline said in a statement Saturday night. It was unclear whether Martin had retained an attorney, and a phone line listed for his address was not in service.
Martin was hospitalized after the incident “with injuries consistent with a gunshot wound sustained during the struggle inside the hospital lobby,” Casteline said in an update Sunday.
He is currently in custody and under medical supervision, the captain said, adding that he’ll be taken to the Wake County Detention Center upon his release.
Smith was shot once, Casteline said. A motive for the shooting was not immediately clear.
“Medical personnel at the scene described Officer Smith as a hero whose actions likely prevented further loss of life. His courage and selfless service exemplified the highest ideals of law enforcement,” Casteline said.
Gov. Josh Stein echoed that sentiment, saying on X, “My heart goes out to the family of Officer Roger Smith, who was killed protecting patients and their families.”
Garner Police Chief Chris Adams called Smith’s death “a heartbreaking and senseless act of violence.”
WakeMed said its leaders are working with investigators.
“Our thoughts and prayers are now with the Smith family as they come to learn of this tragic event,” the health group said. “We give an enormous amount of gratitude to the Garner Healthplex Emergency Department staff for their heroic and quick response to this incident.”
The facility is about 5 miles south of Raleigh and part of the North Carolina Research Triangle region that includes Duke University, North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Marlene Lenthang contributed.
