UPDATED 2:35 p.m. Jan. 15, 2014 — Maggie McCollom has has been released from Atlanta Medical Center after being shot accidentally Jan. 1 by Peachtree City Police Chief William McCollom in the couple’s home on Jan. 1. Atlanta media are reporting she is paralyzed from the waist down as a result of the gunshot wound.
The chief is still on paid leave from the city and has made no statements to news media.
There is still no word from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) on the results of the investigation the agency is conducting.
A Jan. 5 news release by the GBI news said, “GBI agents interviewed Margaret McCollom [Jan. 5] afternoon in her hospital room at the Atlanta Medical Center. Ms. McCollom was shot by Peachtree City Police Chief William McCollom in their home at 103 Autumn Leaf in Peachtree City [Jan. 1]. During the interview, Ms. McCollom stated she was asleep when the shooting occurred and could provide no information about the shooting; however, she believes the shooting was an accident.”
In a summary of the probe so far, the GBI said, “The Peachtree City Police Department requested the GBI conduct an investigation of the shooting. The investigation has revealed the shooting occurred in the bedroom of the home. Chief McCollom fired his service weapon once, striking Ms. McCollom in the back. Ms. McCollom was airlifted to the Atlanta Medical Center to be treated for her injury. Chief McCollom has been cooperating with GBI agents working the investigation. When the GBI completes the investigation, it will be turned over to Fayette County District Attorney Scott Ballard.”
McCollom’s condition steadily improved from “critical” on her first day in the hospital to “good” as of Jan. 6, according to an AMC spokesperson. The report of her release from the hospital came on Jan. 12.
Maggie McCollom was shot in the back early New Year’s Day as she slept in the couple’s home in south Peachtree City. Chief McCollom — who is on administrative leave from his position — told a 911 dispatcher just after 4 a.m. that his 9mm Glock service handgun was in bed with the couple and accidentally fired when he “went to move it and put it to the side.”
McCollom in the 911 recording released Jan. 2 said his wife had been shot. McCollom said he had shot her accidentally and asked for medical assistance ASAP.
