Officials: Ga. police chief says he accidentally shot wife

PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. - A Georgia police chief has been placed on administrative leave after authorities say he called 911 early on New Year's Day and reported he accidentally shot his wife.

Officials say Peachtree City Police Chief William E. McCollom called 911 at around 4 a.m. Thursday to report he accidentally shot his wife. Initial reports indicated McCollom told a 911 operator he shot his wife twice, but a preliminary investigation revealed he shot her once with his service weapon in the bedroom of their Peachtree City home, Sherry Lang, spokesperson for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), said.

McCollom's wife, Margaret, was transported to the Atlanta Medical Center by helicopter in critical condition. Lang said investigators have been unable to interview Margaret McCollom but said William McCollom was cooperating with authorities.

The investigation into the incident, which is being lead by the GBI, is ongoing and William McCollom has been placed on administrative leave pending its completion. The results of the investigation will then be turned over to the district attorney who will decide whether charges are warranted, Lang said.

McCollom has served as chief of police for the Peachtree City Police Department for approximately a year and has "a very extensive law enforcement career," Lt. Mark Brown, of the Peachtree City Police Department, said.

"He's very, very well-liked," Brown said, adding, "The department is hurting. We're very concerned for his wife and the chief. We're just trying to make sure everything is done correctly as far as the investigation goes."