South Carolina police officer killed, another wounded in gunfight with suspect who had extensive record
Officer Killed in Columbia Police Gunfight; Suspect Also Dead
Columbia, S.C. – Police responded to a domestic‑disturbance call at a home in Columbia on Saturday morning and found a man who had been the subject of a restraining order. A gunfight later that day left one officer dead and another wounded, authorities said.
The incident began shortly after 9:30 a.m., when officers were dispatched to a residence in Columbia where a woman reported that a man she had a restraining order against had entered her home and was damaging property. The suspect, identified as Adam Tyler Dowdy, had apparently fled the scene before the officers arrived. The police found Dowdy about an hour later, and a confrontation between the suspect and officers turned into a gun battle.
Columbia Police Chief W.H. “Skip” Holbrook said the shooting “cost us one of our own” at a news conference Saturday afternoon. “Our hearts are broken this evening,” he told reporters. “We gather under the worst of circumstances you could possibly imagine. We’re deeply hurt.” Chief Holbrook confirmed that 29‑year‑old Officer Christopher DeLong, who had served with the department for two years, died from the injuries he sustained in the firefight. “It’s with heartbreak and sadness that I inform you that one of our officers has succumbed to his injuries,” he said.
A second officer, Officer David Dymock, was also injured in the exchange. Holbrook said Dymock is in stable condition and is recovering from wounds sustained during the gunfight. “Our prayers are with him as he continues to recover,” the chief added.
Dowdy was killed during the gunfight. He had a long arrest history, including charges of disorderly conduct, operating a motor vehicle under the influence, contempt of court, public intoxication, possession of a controlled substance, and probation violations. Authorities said the suspect may have been out on bond for a battery charge in Georgia. “We’re still trying to verify that preliminary information,” Holbrook said. “He has a history of several arrests that span through the following states: South Carolina, Kentucky, Wisconsin, and Georgia.”
The shooting has prompted condolences from a broad range of officials. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster sent a note of sympathy to the Columbia Police Department. U.S. Senator Darline Graham posted on X that “I’m saddened by the tragic loss of Officer Chris DeLong of the Columbia Police Department. Officer DeLong answered the call to serve and protect us all, and he lost his life in the line of duty this morning. My prayers are with his family, friends, and the Columbia Police Department. I’m also praying for Officer David Dymock, who was injured while serving and protecting our community. We’re hoping for his quick and full recovery.”
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is conducting a formal investigation into the incident. The department has not yet released any further details about the circumstances that led to the confrontation or the exact chain of events that resulted in the fatal shooting.
For the family of Officer DeLong, the loss is especially painful. He left behind a wife and two young children, as Chief Holbrook said. “Our thoughts and prayers are first and foremost with Officer DeLong’s family, his loved ones and friends and coworkers,” the chief said.
The Columbia Police Department has asked the public to respect the privacy of the families involved while the investigation continues. The department remains committed to ensuring public safety and providing support to its officers in the aftermath of this tragedy.