Chief William McCollom Says He Shot His Wife Accidentally, according to the Peachtree City Police Department, their chief of police, William McCollom, called emergency dispatchers Thursday morning to report he had accidentally shot his wife.
Peachtree City Police Chief William McCollom called for help at approximately 4:17 AM on Thursday after reportedly shooting his 58-year-old wife, Margaret, at their home, according to local Atlanta station WSB-TV. The shooting occurred in the couple’s bedroom, but no reasons have yet been offered for what prompted the gunfire.
Margaret McCollom is in critical condition and receiving treatment at Atlanta Medical Center, where she was airlifted after the shooting.
“The investigation into this incident has been turned over to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation due to the husband of the victim being the Peachtree City Chief of Police,” the department said in a statement.
At a press conference Thursday afternoon, police said a preliminary investigation had revealed the victim had been shot once by a service weapon handgun.
Chief William McCollom has been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation. An internal review by the police department is also underway.
GBI at home of Peachtree City Police Chief. Wife taken to hospital with gunshot. William McCollum on leave. #fox5atl pic.twitter.com/ATQIbOpr1j
— Doug Evans (@dougevansfox5) January 1, 2015
McCollom has only been Peachtree City chief of police since October, having joined the department in 2012.
Agencies/Canadajournal