On September 27, 2024, at just after 11:42pm officers from the Smyrna Police Department in Georgia responded to a call for service regarding gunshots being heard in Adventure Outdoors, a local gun store. When officers arrived on scene, they located evidence of forced entry to the building. With the help of an employee who responded to the scene with live access to cameras, they were able to identify an armed male inside of the store.
A short time later, around 12:15am on September 28th, officers were positioned at all exits and were coordinating plans to take the male in the store into custody, when he presented himself at the front door. The male had an AR-15 style rifle slung across his chest and his arms extended, and he appeared to be surrendering. As officers gave commands and moved in to take him into custody, the male suddenly and without warning began to resist. He quickly grabbed his rifle and began to raise it and fired at officers.
Sergeant (SGT) Nick Mordaunt along with the other officers positioned at that doorway immediately began returning fire in a rapid exchange with the suspect. The suspect was shot multiple times and fell back into the doorway of the store. He was later declared deceased at the scene. During the exchange of gunfire, SGT Mordaunt was directly hit with two rounds in his right leg from the suspect’s AR-15, which caused an immediate arterial bleed. SGT Mordaunt was able to move off the X where other officers then dragged him behind a nearby patrol vehicle and began administering first aid. It was later learned that the shift Lieutenant was also struck, having been grazed in the left thigh by a round.
SGT Mordaunt was released from the hospital four days after the shooting. He required multiple surgeries and physical therapy; however, he was able to return to work in full capacity 6 months after the incident.
The photo chosen is of SGT Mordaunt and his wife. The shooting took place just 2 days before their first wedding anniversary. He and his new wife spent that day in the hospital ICU surrounded by their family, friends, co-workers, and amazing hospital staff. According to him, given the circumstances, he couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend that memorable day.