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

Key points

• Officer Chris DeLong, 29, died after being shot at Southeast Park; Officer David Dymock was injured but is in stable condition.
• The shooting occurred after DeLong located suspect Adam Dowdy, 33, at 951 Hazelwood Road, near Garners Ferry Road.
• The incident originated from a domestic disturbance call at a residence on Holstein Lane earlier that morning.
• SLED is investigating the officer-involved shooting; the scene was secured by 12:03 p.m.
• DeLong had served with CPD since 2024 and is survived by his wife and two children.

Background

This incident marks the first time a Columbia police officer has been shot and killed in the line of duty since 1974. Recent months have seen multiple officer-involved shootings across the U.S., including incidents in San Jose and Chicago, but this is the first fatal officer death in Columbia in over half a century.

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, without naming individuals. Wach.com confirmed the death of a 29-year-old officer and linked the incident to a domestic violence dispute. The State provided detailed timelines, names, and background, emphasizing the 50-year gap since the last officer death. ABC Columbia confirmed the identities and provided funeral details, noting Dymock was released from the hospital.

Why it matters

This event is significant as it ends a 50-year streak without a line-of-duty officer death in Columbia, highlighting the risks faced by local law enforcement and prompting a major investigation by SLED.

What to watch

SLED will continue its investigation, and CPD will release additional details as appropriate. Funeral services for Officer DeLong are scheduled for Friday at Riverland Hills Baptist Church.