Key Highlights
- A 29-year-old man charged with murder was shot during an altercation in Garner, North Carolina.
- The suspect, Benji Martin Jr., remains under medical care at WakeMed after being shot by a hospital police officer.
- Officer Roger Smith, 59, of the WakeMed public safety team, was killed on duty in the hospital lobby.
- Garner Police Chief Chris Adams described the incident as a “heartbreaking and senseless act of violence.”
New Details Emerge in Hospital Shooting Case
GARNER, N.C. — The tragic shooting of Officer Roger Smith at WakeMed Garner Healthplex has garnered renewed attention this weekend with the release of new details from local law enforcement.
Incident Overview and Suspect Status
The incident took place on Saturday morning at WakeMed Garner Healthplex, located on US-70. According to the Garner Police Department, suspect Benji Martin Jr., 29, was involved in an altercation that resulted in his own injury.
After the confrontation, Martin is reported to be under medical supervision and remains in custody. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by medical staff, Officer Roger Smith succumbed to his injuries after being shot while on duty in the hospital lobby. His death marks a significant loss for both WakeMed’s public safety team and former Knightdale police officers.
Community Impact and Official Response
Officer Smith, who had served as a 14-year veteran of WakeMed’s public safety team, was remembered by Garner Police Chief Chris Adams as “a dedicated protector who prioritized the safety of others.” The community mourned his loss through a procession that involved up to 100 law enforcement and fire vehicles, marching 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 investigating the events leading up to the shooting. The ongoing investigation aims to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure justice for both Officer Smith and Benji Martin Jr., who faces charges of murder in connection with the officer’s death.
Investigation Continues as Community Mourns
As the community of Garner comes to terms with this tragic event, law enforcement agencies continue their efforts to gather evidence and interview witnesses. The incident has raised concerns about hospital security and the safety of healthcare workers in the region.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who put themselves on the front lines of public safety. As investigations unfold, the focus remains on providing support to the families affected and ensuring that all steps are taken to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
For now, the timeline of events leading up to Officer Smith’s death will be closely examined as part of the ongoing investigation. The community of Garner stands united in its grief and determination to honor the memory of Officer Roger Smith and support those involved in bringing this case to a just conclusion.
