The Peachtree City police chief who shot his wife on New Year’s Day is still receiving his $115,000 a year salary while the shooting is being investigated.
William McCollom, who was promoted last October from interim chief to his current position after receiving consistently high performance reviews, is on paid administrative leave while the Georgia Bureau of Investigation looks into the circumstances surrounding the shooting of McCollom’s wife, Margaret McCollom.
In an interview with the GBI on Monday, Margaret McCollom told investigators she was asleep when she was shot and believed the shooting was an accident. She is recovering at the Atlanta Medical Center, where her condition is listed as good.
City Manager James Pennington said Tuesday that since no charges have been filed against William McCollom, the chief retains his position and pay, although he is required to check in with Pennington by phone twice a day to report his whereabouts. Pennington said William McCollom has been checking in and is still in Peachtree City, “as far as I can tell.”
In his 911 call, McCollom said he accidentally shot his wife in the back when the gun discharged as he tried to move it from the bed where his wife was sleeping.
Pennington called the shooting “a tragic situation.”
“We’re hoping for a positive outcome for Mrs. McCollom and Chief McCollom, but at this point that can only be determined by an investigation,” Pennington said.
Once the GBI has completed its investigation, it will turn over its report to the Fayette County district attorney, who will determine if criminal charges are to be filed.
According to McCollom’s personnel file, obtained by Channel 2 Action News, McCollom had a series of good job reviews since joining the department in 2012 as an assistant chief. Prior to that he rose through the ranks during nearly 30 years as a law enforcement officer in South Florida. In a letter congratulating McCollom on becoming chief in Peachtree City, Pennington wrote, “I have been impressed with your knowledge, professionalism, and concern for the betterment of the Peachtree City Police Department.”
On Tuesday the city manager did not back down from that praise, saying the department will not initiate any disciplinary action against the chief unless charges are eventually brought against McCollom and there is a conviction in the case.
“I don’t know where that goes, but we’re hoping for the best,” Pennington said.
About the Author
