Columbia police say a routine response to a reported domestic disturbance turned deadly Saturday when officers encountered a man later identified as the subject of the call and gunfire erupted in a park, leaving one officer dead and another injured.
What happened
Police were dispatched shortly after 9:20 a.m. Saturday to a home in Columbia following a woman's report that a man she had a restraining order against was inside her residence damaging property. Officer Christopher DeLong, 29, arrived and learned the man had left before his arrival. After obtaining the suspect's name and descriptions of the individual and his vehicle, DeLong cleared the residence and continued his patrol.
Minutes later DeLong reported seeing a man near a vehicle matching the described make and appearance and called in a suspicious-person report. Officer David Dymock responded as a backup. Shortly after, radio traffic indicated officers had been shot and that a suspect was down.
The suspect, identified by police as 33-year-old Adam Dowdy of Prosperity, died at the scene. DeLong succumbed to his injuries; Dymock was transported to a hospital and listed in stable condition, police said.
Officials react
Columbia Police Chief W.H. “Skip” Holbrook described the department as reeling from the loss and said the incident began as a call about a familiar domestic situation that escalated when officers located the person the caller had reported.
“Our hearts are broken this evening. We gather under the worst circumstances you could possibly imagine,” Holbrook said at a news conference. “We're deeply hurt, and something that's very painful for us to discuss. What started today as a very ordinary day has changed everybody’s lives.”
Department leaders later led a procession from the hospital after a televised briefing. DeLong had served with the Columbia Police Department for two years and leaves behind a wife and two young children. In a social media post quoted by officials, his wife called him the “best dad to our babies” and said the family was living a nightmare.
Suspect background
Authorities said the suspect had a substantial criminal history, including prior convictions. Police confirmed the man encountered by DeLong and Dymock was the same individual the woman had reported at her home earlier that morning.
| Person | Age | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Officer Christopher DeLong | 29 | Deceased |
| Officer David Dymock | Not released | Injured, stable condition |
| Suspect Adam Dowdy | 33 | Deceased |
Community and safety implications
The shooting underscores the risks officers face when answering domestic-related calls, which often involve known parties with existing court orders or restraining conditions. Families and neighbors told reporters they were shaken by the violence in a public space and by the news that an officer had been killed while performing routine duties.
Officials urged residents with concerns about domestic safety to contact local law enforcement and to use available support services. The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 800-799-7233 or www.thehotline.org, resources Chief Holbrook referenced given the call’s nature.
Investigations and next steps
State and local investigators are examining the shooting, including timelines, body-camera footage and witness statements. Police said they recovered evidence at the scene and are working to determine the precise sequence of events that led to the exchange of gunfire.
Columbia officials did not release further details about any weapons used or whether the officers fired their weapons. Authorities asked the public to refrain from spreading unverified information as the inquiry proceeds.
- Incident began after a report of a man violating a restraining order and destroying property.
- Officer Christopher DeLong died from injuries sustained; Officer David Dymock is in stable condition.
- Suspect Adam Dowdy was killed at the scene and had a lengthy criminal history.
The Columbia Police Department and state law enforcement agencies said they will provide updates as investigations continue and as the department arranges support for the officers’ families and colleagues.
Members of the public with information about the incident were asked to contact Columbia police detectives. City leaders also encouraged residents to attend vigils and memorials once they are announced to show support for the family of the fallen officer and the department.
