On Augusts 29, 2026, officers from the Columbia Police Department (South Carolina) responded to a report of property damage from a domestic dispute near the 900 block of Hazelwood Road in the Southeast Park area in Columbia at approximately 10:41 a.m.
Officer Christopher Delong had initially responded to this report of property damage. After leaving the original call, he identified a subject and vehicle matching the reported description at a nearby location and called it in. When backup officers arrived a few minutes later, Officer Delong and another had been shot. Officer Delong unfortunately succumbed to his wound at the scene. The suspect also died at the scene.
Officer DeLong had served with the Columbia Police Department for approximately 20 months and was 29 years old. Officer Delong leaves behind a wife and two young children. Our prayers and condolences go out to Officer Delong's family both at home as well as the Columbia Police Department.
