COLUMBIA, SC — The Columbia Police Department is mourning the line-of-duty death of Officer Christopher DeLong following a shooting Saturday morning in Southeast Columbia that also injured Officer David Dymock.
Officer DeLong, 29, of Elgin, South Carolina, died from injuries sustained during the incident. He joined CPD in June 2024, graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy in January 2025 and was assigned to the Southeast Region.
He leaves behind a wife and two children.
Officer Dymock, who has served with CPD since 2024 and is also assigned to the Southeast Region, was injured during the same encounter. He remains hospitalized in stable condition.
“This is an incredibly difficult day for the Columbia Police Department,” said Chief W.H. “Skip” Holbrook. “Our focus is on Christopher’s family, David and his recovery, and the men and women of this department who are grieving the loss of their fellow officer. There are no words that can lessen what his family and our CPD family are experiencing.”
Mayor Daniel Rickenmann reflected on Officer DeLong’s service and sacrifice.
“His watch may have ended, but his sacrifice and service will forever be remembered,” Rickenmann said.
City Manager Teresa Wilson said the loss is being felt throughout the City of Columbia workforce.
“I do not have adequate words to express the profound feeling of loss and disappointment that our entire City family is struggling with right now,” Wilson said. “We grieve today as we attempt to reconcile that one of our own is gone too soon and another is bravely recovering from his injuries.
“We will stand together in the days ahead, supporting our officers’ families and surrounding the entire CPD family with the love, strength and encouragement of a grateful community.”
Investigators have since confirmed that the man encountered on Hazelwood Road was the same person involved in the earlier disturbance on Holstein Lane. He has been identified as Adam Dowdy of Prosperity, South Carolina.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is investigating the officer-involved shooting. SLED investigations following CPD officer-involved shootings are standard protocol and provide an independent review of the circumstances surrounding the use of deadly force.
As that investigation proceeds, the Columbia Police will not release information that could compromise SLED’s work, including specific details concerning the exchange of gunfire or evidence collected at the scene. The Richland County Sheriff’s Department is assisting with the investigation.
CPD asks the community to keep Officer DeLong’s wife, children and loved ones in their thoughts and prayers, along with Officer Dymock and his family as he recovers. The Columbia Police also extends its appreciation to the law enforcement agencies, first responders, medical professionals, City employees and community members who have offered assistance and support.
You can watch the full press conference Here.
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Officer Christopher DeLong
Officer David Dymock
For those wishing to contribute, donations may be made through Serve & Connect’s official Tragedy Response Program. This program provides support to law enforcement families and agencies following critical incidents and line-of-duty tragedies.
We are deeply grateful for the prayers, messages, acts of kindness and support extended to the Columbia Police Department during this incredibly difficult time.
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Memorial services for Officer Christopher DeLong have been scheduled for Thursday, September 3, and Friday, September 4.
A visitation will be held Thursday, September 3, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Dunbar Funeral Home, 3926 Devine Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29205.
A funeral honoring Officer DeLong’s life will be held Friday, September 4, at 11:00 a.m. at Riverland Hills Baptist Church, 201 Lake Murray Boulevard, Irmo, South Carolina. Burial honors will follow at Greenhaven Memorial Gardens, 11020 Two Notch Road, Elgin, South Carolina.
Dunbar Funeral Home is assisting the DeLong family with arrangements. A full obituary will be posted in the coming days.
For additional information, please visit: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/columbia-sc/christopher-delong-13020878