Officer shot dead after responding to suspicious vehicle was mother, wife, 5-year veteran

A second officer survived and is in good condition due to his bulletproof vest.

ByABC News
September 29, 2017, 6:02 PM

— -- An officer in Polk County, Georgia, was shot dead after responding to a report of a suspicious vehicle today, officials said, in what authorities are calling a "senseless killing."

The slain officer, Det. Kristen Hearne, was a five-year veteran, officials said. She leaves behind a husband and a 3-year-old son.

A second officer, David Goodrich, a rookie, was shot in his bulletproof vest and survived, officials said.

Officials said the officers responded to a call about a suspicious vehicle and then located a Ford Escape stolen from Tennessee on the side of the road.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Director Vernon Keenan said the suspects, Seth Spangler and Samantha Roof, walked out of the woods and up to the officers. A conversation ensued, after which Spangler allegedly pulled out a handgun and shot both officers, Keenan said.

PHOTO: Seth Brandon Spangler, a suspect in a shooting of two police officers in Polk County, Ga., is seen in this image released on social media from Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Sept. 29, 2017.
Seth Brandon Spangler, a suspect in a shooting of two police officers in Polk County, Ga., is seen in this image released on social media from Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Sept. 29, 2017.

The suspects ran from the scene sparking a manhunt, Keenan said.

Roof was quickly apprehended, after which Spangler was captured, Keenan said.

Keenan said Spangler is facing charges of felony murder and felony aggravated assault. Roof will be charged with felony offenses, Keenan said.

ABC News' Amanda Maile contributed to this report.