Officer Roger Smith, 59, was fatally shot Saturday morning during a struggle in the lobby of the WakeMed Healthplex in Garner. Garner Police said they responded around 9 a.m. to reports of gunfire inside the emergency department.
When officers arrived, they found Smith suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite efforts by first responders and hospital staff, he did not survive.
The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Benji Martin Jr., was also shot during the incident. Police said he was taken to WakeMed for treatment and is facing a murder charge in connection with Smith's death.
Garner Police Chief Chris Adams called the shooting "a heartbreaking and senseless act of violence," saying Smith "dedicated his career to protecting others, and even in his final moments, he put the safety of others before his own."
According to Garner PD, medical personnel who witnessed the shooting said Smith's quick actions likely prevented more injuries in the lobby before he was shot.
Smith served as a Knightdale police officer from 1997 to 2013 before joining WakeMed Public Safety. Knightdale Police described him as a devoted public servant whose compassion matched his strength.
"Officer Roger Smith was a towering figure whose stature was matched by his giant heart," Knightdale Police Chief Lawrence Capps said in a statement. "He is fondly remembered for his unwavering kindness and dedication to our community."
Lindsay Licausi, a former law enforcement officer who now runs the nonprofit Back the Blue NC, said the news of Smith's death hit hard across law enforcement agencies.
"When I first heard that he got shot at WakeMed in Garner, my heart dropped. My stomach dropped," she said. "It's just another hole in our heart that we have to carry - losing another fellow officer."
Back the Blue NC is raising money for Smith's family.
"He was taking care of his elderly mother," Licausi said. "So, my concern right now is, you know, who is going to be stepping up and caring for her, and does she have any medical needs, anything that monetary donations can assist with?"