A Columbia police officer was killed and a second was injured Saturday in a gunfight at a park following a call about a domestic dispute, authorities said.
The deceased officer, 29-year-old Christopher DeLong, had been with the Columbia Police Department for two years. The suspect, a 33-year-old man with a lengthy criminal record, also died in the shooting, Columbia Police Chief W.H. "Skip" Holbrook said at a news conference.
The incident occurred at Southeast Park near Garners Ferry Road in Columbia, South Carolina. According to Deputy Police Chief Melron Kelly, two Columbia police officers were struck during the gunfight. Both officers sustained injuries to their legs.
DeLong leaves behind a wife and two young children, Holbrook said. In a social media post, DeLong's wife praised her husband as the "best dad" to their children. Holbrook appeared visibly emotional during the news conference, stating, "Our hearts are broken this evening."
The shooting followed a response to a call regarding a domestic dispute at the park. Details about the circumstances leading to the gunfight and the identity of the second injured officer were not immediately disclosed by authorities.