Columbia, South Carolina – A two-year veteran of the Columbia Police Department, Officer Christopher DeLong, 29, was killed in the line of duty Saturday morning during a shootout that also left a colleague injured. The suspect, identified as 33-year-old Adam Dowdy, also died at the scene.
DeLong and Officer David Dymock, 29, were responding to a call regarding a man violating a restraining order at a woman's home. Police Chief Skip Holbrook stated that the woman reported Dowdy was inside her residence and destroying property. By the time officers arrived, Dowdy had fled the scene but provided a description.
Approximately 20 minutes after leaving the initial residence, DeLong responded to a report of a suspicious person near Southeast Park. Dymock arrived as backup shortly thereafter. Four minutes later, Dymock reported that both officers had been shot and that the suspect was down. DeLong was transported to a hospital where he later died from his injuries. Dymock sustained injuries but is in stable condition.
DeLong, a father of two, had been with the police department for two years. His wife, Hannah, described the incident as a "nightmare" in a Facebook post. His mother, Angela Graham, expressed pride in her son, noting his role as a husband and father.
Dowdy had an extensive criminal record, including charges related to disorderly conduct, driving under the influence, and possession of controlled substances. Preliminary investigations suggest he may have been out on bond for a family violence charge in Georgia. His history of arrests spanned multiple states.
The shooting remains under investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Authorities have stated there is no further threat to the public.
