COLUMBIA, S.C. — A South Carolina police department is mourning the loss of a young officer after a Saturday morning call about a domestic dispute ended in a deadly gunfight at a park.
Columbia police Chief W.H. “Skip” Holbrook confirmed that Officer Christopher DeLong, 29, was killed during the confrontation. A second officer, David Dymock, was also injured but was later reported to be in stable condition.
The suspect involved in the shooting, identified as 33-year-old Adam Tyler Dowdy, also died. The tragedy has left the Columbia Police Department grieving one of its officers and supporting another as he recovers.
“Our hearts are broken this evening,” Holbrook said during an emotional news conference, at times appearing choked up as he spoke about the fallen officer.
Officer Responded to Domestic Dispute Call
The chain of events began around 9:30 a.m. Saturday, when a woman contacted police to report that a man against whom she had a restraining order was allegedly destroying property at her home.
DeLong was among the first officers to respond.
When he arrived, the suspect had already left the residence. The woman provided police with a description of the man and the vehicle he was believed to be using.
DeLong remained alert for the suspect as officers continued handling the call.
Around 10:30 a.m., he left the woman’s home. But only minutes later, the officer reported seeing a suspicious person near a vehicle matching the description provided by the woman.
That encounter would quickly turn deadly.
Second Officer Arrives as Backup
After DeLong initiated a call regarding the suspicious person, Dymock arrived to assist him. According to Chief Holbrook, the situation escalated only minutes later.
Dymock subsequently radioed that officers had been hit and a suspect was down.
The incident became a major law enforcement response as emergency personnel rushed to the scene and officers worked to secure the area.
Both officers were taken for medical treatment. DeLong succumbed to his injuries, while Dymock remained in stable condition, according to the police chief. The suspect, Dowdy, also died following the confrontation.
Authorities have not released additional details about the exact sequence of gunfire while the investigation remains underway.
Fallen Officer Leaves Behind Wife and Two Children
DeLong’s death has devastated his family and colleagues.
The 29-year-old officer had served with the Columbia Police Department for two years and leaves behind a wife and two young children.
His wife later shared an emotional message on social media, describing her husband as the “best dad to our babies” and saying she was “living a nightmare.”
Her words highlighted the personal loss behind the tragedy as the department mourns an officer who was also a husband and father.
Following the Saturday night news conference, Holbrook and other law enforcement officials joined a procession from the hospital.
The procession served as a solemn moment for officers and colleagues as they gathered to support one another following the deadly shooting.
Police Chief Calls for Unity During Tragic Time
Holbrook urged members of the department to remain together as they deal with the loss.
“I hope that our officers know that they’re not alone in this. We will lean on each other in this tragic time,” he said.
He also asked the community to keep the department in their thoughts.
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“Let’s pray for this department.”
The suspect was identified as Adam Tyler Dowdy, who police said had a lengthy criminal history spanning at least four states.
According to Holbrook, Dowdy had faced previous charges including disorderly conduct, contempt of court, public intoxication, possession of a controlled substance and probation violations.
State Agency Investigates Deadly Police Shooting
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division will lead the investigation into the shooting, according to Holbrook.
A spokesperson for the agency confirmed that the investigation was ongoing.
Authorities have not released all details surrounding the gunfight, including the precise circumstances that led to the officers being shot and the suspect’s death.
As investigators work to establish what happened, the Columbia Police Department is left mourning the loss of Officer Christopher DeLong, whose career was cut short while responding to a call for help.
For his wife, children, fellow officers and the wider Columbia community, Saturday’s shooting has turned into a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers police officers can face while responding to seemingly routine calls.
What are your thoughts on this tragic loss? Share your condolences for Officer Christopher DeLong and his family in the comments.