Police trainee accidentally shot, killed by instructor

<p>A 23-year-old trainee at the North Central Georgia Law Enforcement Academy in Cobb County was accidentally shot and killed by her instructor Tuesday during a training exercise, authorities said.</p><p>The recruit with the Kennesaw police department was identified Wednesday as Tara Drummond. She was among 30 rookie officers in the seventh week of a 10-week program at the North Central Georgia Law Enforcement Academy in Austell.</p><p>The trainees were in a classroom in the basement of the academy when the gun discharged about 4 p.m., said Carol Morgan, the academy director.</p><p>Cobb County Police spokesman Dana Pierce said officers from his agency, the Austell Police and the county sheriff's office were investigating. The instructor, was placed on administrative leave. He was described at a news conference as a "veteran instructor" who was "very traumatized and had to seek medical attention," Pierce said.</p><p>Drummond was taken to a local hospital where she died a short time later. She was the first Kennesaw police officer killed in the line of duty, said department spokesman Scott Luther.</p><p>Kennesaw police Chief Tim Callahan called the death "a tragic accident," and added: "For the next few days, we want to honor the life of this young officer who would have been a great officer one day."</p>

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