(FreePressBeacon.com) – In a crime that has shaken the Roswell, Georgia community to its core, a suspect has been arrested after a young police officer was fatally shot during a routine investigation at a local pickleball club.
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This tragic event has highlighted the risks law enforcement officers face every day while serving their communities.
The nation now mourns the loss of Officer Jeremy Labonte, whose promising career and dedication to public service were cut short.
Officer Jeremy Labonte, 24, was responding to a “suspicious person” call on Market Blvd. in Roswell when he encountered 23-year-old Edward Espinoza.
The confrontation occurred in the parking lot near the ACE Pickleball Club.
Without warning, Espinoza pulled a handgun and shot Officer Labonte multiple times, leaving the officer critically injured.
Despite being rushed to the hospital, Labonte succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival, AP reports.
Officer Labonte’s death marks the first line-of-duty casualty for the Roswell Police Department since 1986, and the first such tragedy in Georgia this year.
Espinoza was located and apprehended nearby, and now faces multiple severe charges, including murder and aggravated assault against a law enforcement officer.
This incident underscores the dangers our brave officers confront, risking their lives to protect our communities.
“Officer Jeremy Labonte gave his life in service to this city, the city of Roswell, Georgia. And we will never forget his dedication, his bravery, and his ultimate sacrifice,” stated Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson.
He expressed the community’s deep sorrow for the loss of Officer Labonte, an outstanding young man and dedicated public servant.
In honor of Labonte, the police department has lowered its flags to half-staff and invited members of the community to leave tributes.
Additionally, a meal delivery train is supporting the department during this difficult time, showing solidarity with law enforcement.
Gov. Brian Kemp also extended condolences, highlighting the heavy sacrifices made by law enforcement and their families.
The Governor urged all Georgians to keep Officer Labonte’s family and colleagues in their thoughts and prayers as they navigate this tragic loss.
“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,” Kemp said.
Officer Labonte leaves behind a wife and a son, and his devastating passing occurred mere days before a planned family vacation.
Labonte and his wife met in middle school, and they had been married for three years, demonstrating a deep-rooted commitment to family and community.
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