A Columbia, South Carolina, police officer was killed and another was wounded in a gunfight Saturday morning after responding to a domestic dispute call. The suspect, identified as Adam Tyler Dowdy, was also killed in the exchange.
Officer Christopher DeLong, 29, a two-year veteran of the police department, succumbed to his injuries. He leaves behind a wife and two young children. Officer David Dymock sustained wounds and is in stable condition.
The incident began shortly after 9:30 a.m. when officers responded to a domestic dispute at a residence. A woman reported that a man against whom she had a restraining order was in her home destroying property. The suspect had left the scene by the time officers arrived, but they located him approximately one hour later, at which point a gunfight ensued.
Dowdy had an extensive arrest record including charges for disorderly conduct, driving under the influence, contempt of court, public intoxication, possession of a controlled substance, and probation violations. Authorities are working to confirm preliminary information that he may have been out on bond for a battery charge in Georgia. His prior arrests span South Carolina, Kentucky, Wisconsin, and Georgia.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating the shooting. Condolences have been extended to Officer DeLong's family and the Columbia Police Department from law enforcement agencies across the region and from South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster.