Georgia Police Chief Claims He Accidentally Shot Wife on New Year's Day

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Hours after ringing in the New Year, a Georgia police chief rang 911 claiming that he had accidentally shot his wife with his service weapon.

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.

GBI at home of Peachtree City Police Chief. Wife taken to hospital with gunshot. William McCollum on leave.— Doug Evans (@dougevansfox5)January 1, 2015

At a press conference Thursday afternoon, police said a preliminary investigation had revealed the victim had been shot once by a service weapon handgun.

William McCollom has been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation. An internal review by the police department is also underway.

McCollom has only been Peachtree City chief of police since October, having joined the department in 2012.

Photo viaFlickr