South Carolina police officer killed, another injured in shooting incident

<p>A shooting incident involving a man with an extensive arrest record and two police officers occurred in Columbia, South Carolina, resulting in the death of one officer and injuries to another on Saturday morning.</p><p>The officers responded to a domestic dispute call shortly after 9:30 a.m. at a residence where a woman reported that a man, against whom she had a restraining order, was in her home damaging property.</p><p>Upon arrival, the officers found that the suspect had left the scene, but they located him about an hour later, leading to a gunfight.</p><p>Columbia police Chief W.H. "Skip" Holbrook stated at a news conference, "Our hearts are broken this evening. We gather under the worst of circumstances you could possibly imagine. We’re deeply hurt." He confirmed that Officer Christopher DeLong, 29, succumbed to his injuries. DeLong had served with the police department for two years and is survived by a wife and two young children.</p><p>Holbrook expressed condolences, saying, "Our thoughts and prayers are first and foremost with Officer DeLong’s family, his loved ones and friends and coworkers."</p><p>The second officer, David Dymock, is reported to be in stable condition, and Holbrook added, "our prayers are with him as he continues to recover from wounds sustained during the gunfight."</p><p>The suspect, identified as Adam Tyler Dowdy, was also killed in the exchange of gunfire. Holbrook noted that Dowdy had a history of arrests for various offenses, including disorderly conduct and operating a vehicle under the influence, and may have been out on bond for a battery charge in Georgia.</p><p>Holbrook mentioned that Dowdy's arrest record spans multiple states, including South Carolina, Kentucky, Wisconsin, and Georgia, and stated, "We’re still trying to verify that preliminary information." He requested that the community pray for the DeLong family during this difficult time.</p><p>Holbrook reported receiving condolences from law enforcement agencies across the region and from South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. U.S. Senator Darline Graham expressed her sorrow over DeLong's death, stating, "Officer DeLong answered the call to serve and protect us all, and he lost his life in the line of duty this morning. My prayers are with his family, friends, and the Columbia Police Department."</p><p>The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is conducting an investigation into the shooting.</p>