Overview
- Officer Roger Smith, 59, died after a struggle in the emergency department lobby around 9 a.m. Saturday at WakeMed Garner Healthplex.
- Benji Martin Jr., 29, of Garner, was arrested and charged with murder, according to police.
- Medical personnel and Garner police described Smith as a hero whose actions likely prevented further loss of life.
- The State Bureau of Investigation and Garner Police are leading the probe, and WakeMed has deployed on-site counseling resources for staff.
- A law enforcement procession escorting Smith's body temporarily closed I-440 West, as state officials and agencies offered condolences.