Georgia police chief shoots his wife twice

A Georgia police chief is under investigation for shooting his wife twice early on New Year’s Day, authorities said.

Chief William McCollom of Peachtree City called 911 shortly after 4 a.m. to report the shooting, which left his wife, Margaret McCollom, in critical condition.

Authorities have not revealed many details, but they said the chief shot his wife with his service weapon inside the couple’s bedroom.

McCollom told investigators it was an accident, said Sherry Lang, spokeswoman for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

“The investigation into this incident has been turned over to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation due to the husband of the victim being the chief of police,” Peachtree City Police Lt. Mark Brown said in a press release.

Margaret McCollom was airlifted to the Atlanta Medical Center.

The police chief has been placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigation.

McCollom was promoted as police chief in October after being interim chief for three months, according to CNN affiliate WSB.