WakeMed Officer Killed After Struggle in Garner Hospital Lobby

Tragedy strikes Garner as veteran WakeMed Officer Roger Smith is fatally shot during a struggle inside the hospital’s emergency department lobby.

GARNER, NORTH CAROLINA – A WakeMed campus police officer was shot and killed Saturday morning inside the emergency department lobby at WakeMed Garner Healthplex on U.S. Highway 70, according to hospital officials.

Officer Roger Smith, 59, lost his life around 9 a.m. following a reported struggle with a suspect. 

Authorities have charged Benji Martin Jr., of Garner, with murder in connection to the deadly shooting.

The Wake County Sheriff’s Office confirmed there is no active threat to the public.

A Struggle Turned Deadly Inside the Hospital

WakeMed confirmed that a physical altercation occurred before Officer Smith was shot. Officials said Smith was performing his duties when the confrontation escalated.

In a statement, WakeMed expressed heartbreak over the loss of their longtime officer:

“Our thoughts and prayers are now with the Smith family as they come to learn of this tragic event,” the hospital wrote.

Smith had served with WakeMed’s police division for over a decade, celebrating 10 years of service in 2023. Before joining WakeMed, he worked with the Knightdale Police Department from 1997 to 2013.

Tributes poured in from across North Carolina as news of Smith’s death spread.

Knightdale Police Chief Lawrence Capps called Smith “a local hero,” noting his years of public service and dedication to protecting others.

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein also released a statement on social media:

“My heart goes out to the family of Officer Roger Smith, who was killed protecting patients and their families,” Stein wrote. “Law enforcement officers put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe, and we are forever grateful for Officer Smith’s sacrifice.”

On Saturday afternoon, a procession escorted Officer Smith’s body from WakeMed Raleigh to the medical examiner’s office, with dozens of law enforcement officers lining the route in his honor.