Hero down: Roswell officer ambushed and executed in the line of duty | Law Enforcement Today

ROSWELL, GA - On Friday, February 7th, the Roswell Police Department (RPD) lost one of their officers in the line of duty. According to FOX5, the officer, identified as 24-year-old Jeremy Labonte, was killed while responding to a call at the King Market shopping center around 7:15 p.m. 

Officers were called due to a report of a suspicious person. Upon arriving, Officer Labonte found a man in a parking lot near the ACE Pickleball Club. RPD Chief James Conroy said that the person almost immediately pulled out a gun and opened fire on Labonte. He was struck several times. Life saving measures were rendered by other officers and he was rushed to a nearby hospital. Officer Labonte was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The suspect attempted to flee the scene, but officers chased after him and were able to taken him into custody. On Saturday, February 8th, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation identified the suspect as 23-year-old Edward Espinoza. He has since been arrested and charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault on a peace officer, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Officer Labonte joined RPD on November 1, 2021. He was a member of the night shift patrol. In a statement, Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson said, "He stood side by side with his D-squad brothers and sisters, serving with honor, integrity, and an unshakeable sense of duty." Those who knew him say he was a friend, husband, a son, and a public servant who left a "void that could never be filled." 

Michael Hernandez, chairman of the Roswell First Responders Foundation said, "It is a loss many community members say they are struggling to understand. Sickening, nauseous, I couldn't believe it." RPD said a fund through PayPal has been established to collect donations for the Labonte family. Authorities said this is the only authorized donation platform for the family. 

Hernandez said that the Roswell First Responders Foundation has connected with the police department and offered its services. In the days, weeks and months ahead, he said they will help make sure family, colleagues, and first responders feel the support of the community after this tragedy. He said, "I just don't understand how or why this happened. I will make sure the foundation will do anything it can to wrap its arms around the family, but also the police department and the fire department since they were called out. So, everyone is going to need help."

In a statement on Facebook, RPD wrote, "It is with profound sorrow that we share the devastating news of the loss of one of our officers. While serving the Roswell community and responding to a report of a suspicious person, a Roswell police officer was shot and killed in the line of duty earlier this evening. The suspect was immediately located and taken into custody.

More information will be released in the coming days, but our priority now is to surround and support the family of our fallen officer and grieving department. We ask that your hearts and your prayers stand with us in doing the same."

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp wrote on X, "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. 

We also ask that we remain mindful of the heavy sacrifices law enforcement and their families make to keep all of us safe each and every day. May this courageous man's memory inspire all of us in the days, weeks, and years ahead." This is the third officer-involved shooting in Roswell so far in 2025.