A gunfight in Columbia, South Carolina, killed police Officer Christopher DeLong and wounded Officer David Dymock on Saturday morning. The officers had responded to a domestic dispute involving a woman who reported that a man subject to a restraining order was destroying property inside her home. The suspect, identified as Adam Tyler Dowdy, was later killed in the exchange of gunfire. Authorities said Dowdy had a lengthy arrest history spanning several states.
| 1) | Domestic dispute call leads to police response |
| 2) | Gunfight leaves one officer dead and another injured |
| 3) | Officer Christopher DeLong remembered by department |
| 4) | Suspect identified and arrest history outlined |
| 5) | State investigators take over the case |
Domestic dispute call leads to police response
The incident began shortly after 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, when two Columbia police officers went to a residence in response to a domestic dispute. A woman told authorities that a man against whom she had a restraining order was inside the home and destroying property. The man had left before the officers arrived, but police located him about an hour later. A gunfight followed at that location in Columbia.
Gunfight leaves one officer dead and another injured
Officer Christopher DeLong was fatally wounded during the exchange. Officer David Dymock was also shot and remained in stable condition, according to Columbia Police Chief W.H. “Skip” Holbrook. The suspect, Adam Tyler Dowdy, was killed during the gunfight. Officials have not released additional details about the sequence of shots or the weapons involved.
“It’s with heartbreak and sadness that I inform you that one of our officers has succumbed to his injuries,” Chief W.H. “Skip” Holbrook said at a news conference.
Officer Christopher DeLong remembered by department
DeLong, 29, had served with the Columbia Police Department for two years. He leaves behind a wife and two young children, Holbrook said. The chief described the department as deeply hurt and asked the public to support DeLong’s family, friends and colleagues as they cope with the loss.
The death prompted condolences from law enforcement agencies across the region and from South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster. U.S. Sen. Darline Graham also expressed sympathy for DeLong’s family and support for Dymock’s recovery, describing the officers’ service as a sacrifice made while protecting the community.
Suspect identified and arrest history outlined
Authorities identified the suspect as Adam Tyler Dowdy. Holbrook said Dowdy had been arrested for allegations including disorderly conduct, driving under the influence, contempt of court, public intoxication, possession of a controlled substance and probation violations. His arrest history reportedly extended across South Carolina, Kentucky, Wisconsin and Georgia.
Holbrook also said preliminary information indicated Dowdy might have been out on bond in Georgia on a battery case. He cautioned that investigators were still working to verify that detail. The information provides background on the suspect but does not establish what led to the confrontation or how the shooting unfolded.
State investigators take over the case
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating the shooting. The state agency’s involvement is intended to establish the circumstances of the encounter, including the officers’ response to the call, the later location of Dowdy and the exchange of gunfire. No further findings were announced in the initial account.
The investigation is expected to address the actions of the officers and the suspect separately, while the police department supports DeLong’s family and Dymock’s recovery. Officials have not announced funeral arrangements for DeLong or a timetable for Dymock’s release from medical care.
| 1 | Officer Christopher DeLong, 29, was killed in the Columbia gunfight. |
|---|---|
| 2 | Officer David Dymock was wounded and reported in stable condition. |
| 3 | The officers were responding to a domestic dispute call on Saturday morning. |
| 4 | Suspect Adam Tyler Dowdy was killed during the exchange of gunfire. |
| 5 | The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating. |
Summary
The Columbia Police Department is mourning Officer Christopher DeLong after a domestic dispute response escalated into a fatal gunfight. Officer David Dymock was wounded but stable, while the suspect was killed. A state investigation will examine the circumstances of the confrontation and verify information about the suspect’s criminal and court history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Columbia?
Two police officers responding to a domestic dispute later encountered a suspect, and a gunfight followed. One officer was killed and the other wounded.
Who was killed?
Columbia Officer Christopher DeLong, 29, and suspect Adam Tyler Dowdy were killed. DeLong leaves behind a wife and two young children.
Who is investigating the shooting?
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating the incident.
