GBI wraps investigation into police chief’s shooting of wife
The district attorney deciding whether to bring charges against the Peachtree City police chief who shot his wife has received the GBI’s findings following a nearly two-month investigation.
Chief William McCollom called 911 around 4 a.m. on New Year's Day to report he had accidentally shot his wife in the back when his gun discharged as he moved it from the bed where she was sleeping. Margaret McCollom was left paralyzed from the waist down and her husband was placed on administrative paid leave pending the GBI's investigation.
Fayette County D.A. Scott Ballard on Friday told Channel 2 Action News he has “a pretty clear idea of what the facts are and I’ve studied to determine pretty much what laws might apply, so I think I know what I’m going to do.”
But Ballard didn’t tip his hand, telling the station it could be a couple of weeks before he announces his decision.
The GBI said Chief McCollom has been cooperative throughout its probe. His wife told investigators she believes her husband didn’t intend to shoot her.
McCollom was hired by Peachtree City in 2012 as assistant chief. He was promoted last October following a series of favorable performance reviews.
The McColloms recently married each other a second time after reconciling in 2011.
About the Author
A native Atlantan, Boone joined the AJC staff in 2007. He quickly carved out a niche covering crime stories, assuming the public safety beat in 2014. He's covered some of the biggest trials this decade, from Hemy Neuman to Ross Harris to Chip Olsen, the latter of which was featured on Season 7 of the AJC's award-winning "Breakdown" podcast.
