Benji Martin Jr. | Man accused of killing WakeMed police officer was also shot in altercation, Garner police say
GARNER, N.C. (WTVD) — Further details were released in the WakeMed shooting, where a hospital police officer was killed in Garner
The incident happened Saturday morning at WakeMed Garner Healthplex on US-70.
According to the Garner Police Department, suspect Benji Martin Jr., 29, was also shot during the altercation. He is in custody under medical supervision. WakeMed told ABC11 that it was unable to release any information on his condition.
Martin, of Garner, has been charged with murder in connection with Smith’s death. Upon release, he will be taken to the Wake County Detention Center.
Officer Roger Smith, 59, was shot while on duty in the hospital lobby. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by medical staff, he succumbed to his injuries. Smith, a 14-year veteran of WakeMed’s public safety team and a former Knightdale police officer, was remembered as a dedicated protector who prioritized the safety of others.
Garner Police Chief Chris Adams described the incident as a “heartbreaking and senseless act of violence.”
A procession for Smith, involving 60 to 100 law enforcement and fire vehicles, was held from WakeMed to the N.C. Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Raleigh.
The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is assisting Garner Police in the ongoing investigation to determine the events leading up to the shooting.
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