Columbia officer killed in first line-of-duty shooting in 50 years

Key points

• Officer Christopher DeLong, 29, died after being shot at Southeast Park; Officer David Dymock was injured but is in stable condition.
• The shooting followed a domestic disturbance call at a residence on Holstein Lane, where a victim reported a restraining order against the suspect.
• Suspect Adam Dowdy, 33, of Prosperity, was killed during the incident and has a history of arrests in multiple states.
• This is the first time a Columbia police officer has been shot and killed in the line of duty since 1974.
• The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is investigating the incident, with assistance from the Richland County Sheriff's Department.

Background

This incident marks a significant departure from the department's recent history, as the last line-of-duty shooting death occurred in 1974. The event follows a pattern of officer-involved shootings linked to domestic disputes, as seen in recent incidents in Lathrop, California, and Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, though those did not result in officer fatalities.

How outlets are covering it

WIS initially reported the incident as an officer-involved shooting near a park, with two officers shot and the suspect dead. WACH confirmed the death of a 29-year-old officer and an injury to another, noting the domestic violence context. The State provided detailed timelines and names, emphasizing the 50-year gap since the last line-of-duty death. ABC Columbia confirmed the identities of the officers and the suspect, and noted that the injured officer had been released from the hospital. All sources agree on the basic facts, but The State and ABC Columbia provide more specific details on the officers' backgrounds and the suspect's criminal history.

Why it matters

This shooting is a significant event for the Columbia Police Department and the local community, as it is the first line-of-duty death in over 50 years. It highlights the risks faced by law enforcement officers, particularly in domestic disturbance calls, and will likely lead to increased scrutiny of police procedures and safety protocols.

What to watch

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) will continue its investigation, and more details are expected to be released as appropriate. Visitation for Officer DeLong will be held on Thursday at Dunbar Funeral Home, and his funeral will be on Friday at Riverland Hills Baptist Church.