On Friday evening, a Roswell police officer was tragically killed while responding to a report of a suspicious person at the King Market shopping center, located at 1425 Market Blvd., near Holcomb Bridge Road and Georgia 400. The incident occurred around 7:15 p.m.

Incident Details

Upon arrival, the officer encountered a man in the parking lot near the ACE Pickleball Club. According to Roswell Police Chief James Conroy, the individual immediately drew a firearm and opened fire on the officer, striking him multiple times. Fellow officers provided first aid, and the injured officer was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The suspect attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended by responding officers. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) identified the suspect as 23-year-old Edward Espinoza. Espinoza has been arrested and charged with the murder of the Roswell police officer. Once the investigation is complete, the case will be handed over to the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

Community and Official Responses

The Roswell Police Department expressed profound sorrow over the loss. In a statement, they emphasized their focus on supporting the fallen officer’s family and the grieving department. They requested the community’s thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp also conveyed his condolences, stating, “Tonight, Marty, the girls, and I are praying for the loved ones of a Roswell Police Officer who was shot and killed in the line of duty. We join them, his fellow Roswell PD, and all law enforcement in mourning this sudden and heartbreaking loss, and we ask all Georgians to join us in keeping them in your thoughts and prayers.”

Neighboring law enforcement agencies, including the Dunwoody Police Department, extended their sympathies, highlighting the shared sense of loss within the law enforcement community.

Recent Officer-Involved Incidents in Roswell

This tragic event marks the third officer-involved shooting in Roswell in recent weeks.

January 17: A SWAT team attempted to execute arrest and search warrants at a residence on Ansley Drive. The suspect, 40-year-old Matthew Robert Taylor, evaded capture and shot a SWAT officer in the chest. Fortunately, the officer was wearing a bulletproof vest and was able to return fire, resulting in Taylor’s death.

January 8: An officer encountered 33-year-old Christopher Bell near the Regal Nissan dealership on Holcomb Bridge Road. During the interaction, a struggle ensued, leading the officer to deploy a Taser, which was ineffective. The officer then discharged his firearm, injuring Bell, who was subsequently hospitalized in stable condition.

According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, prior to these incidents, the Roswell Police Department had lost only one officer in the line of duty. Officer Leslie G. Warden was killed by a drunk driver while working a crash along Interstate 285 on June 14, 1986.

Community Support and Moving Forward

The Roswell community is rallying to support the police department and the family of the fallen officer. Local organizations and residents are organizing vigils and fundraisers to honor the officer’s service and sacrifice.

As the investigation continues, the Roswell Police Department remains committed to serving and protecting the community, while also taking time to mourn the loss of their colleague.