Full Breakdown
Columbia Police Officer Killed, Another Injured in Saturday Shooting After Domestic Dispute Call
8/31/2026, 11:32:58 AM
Core Event
On Saturday morning, Columbia police responded to a domestic-violence call on Holstein Lane. Officers Christopher DeLong and David Dymock encountered a suspect matching the caller’s description near 951 Hazelwood Road. Both officers were shot; DeLong died, Dymock survived with non-life-threatening wounds, and the suspect was also killed.
Background & Context
A woman with a restraining order reported a man destroying property inside her home. Police obtained his name, description, and vehicle information, which led officers to the nearby park area where the confrontation occurred.
Key Figures & Groups
- Christopher DeLong — 29-year-old officer, two years of service.
- David Dymock — officer who provided backup, now recovering.
- Adam Dowdy — 33-year-old suspect from Prosperity, South Carolina, with arrests in multiple states.
- W.H. “Skip” Holbrook — Chief of the Columbia Police Department.
- South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) — leading the investigation.
- Richland County Sheriff’s Department — assisting SLED.
Timeline
- ? 9:30 a.m. – Dispatch receives the domestic-violence call.
- ? 9:43 a.m. – DeLong arrives, records the suspect’s description.
- ? 10:30 a.m. – DeLong reports a “suspicious person” near a vehicle matching the description at 951 Hazelwood Road.
- ? 10:41 a.m. – Dymock arrives as backup.
- ? 10:45 a.m. – Both officers radio that they have been hit and the suspect is down.
- Shortly after – Emergency services confirm DeLong’s death and the suspect’s death; Dymock is taken to a hospital and later released.
Data & Statistics
- Officers involved: 2.
- DeLong’s tenure: 2 years; Dymock’s tenure: since 2024.
- Suspect’s age: 33.
- Prior arrests: multiple offenses across South Carolina, Kentucky, Wisconsin, and Georgia.
- Time from first dispatch to shooting: roughly 1 hour 15 minutes.
Official Statements & Responses
Chief Holbrook announced that SLED is leading the investigation with assistance from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and said there is no ongoing public threat. The department thanked community members for their prayers and support for Officer Dymock’s recovery.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Pray for the DeLong family to have strength as they navigate this unimaginable time,” — Chief Holbrook
- “Our thoughts and our prayers are first and foremost with officer DeLong’s family, his loved ones and friends, and his coworkers,” — Chief Holbrook
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the spelling of the suspect’s surname: most use Dowdy, while two outlets list Downey. All agree on the suspect’s age and that he was killed in the incident. Details about the weapon used or the exact sequence of shots have not been released.
What’s Next
SLED’s investigation remains ongoing, with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department providing assistance. Findings will be released when the investigation is complete.
