Georgia police chief who shot ex-wife resigns

Beth Sawicki | WXIA-TV, Atlanta

PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. — More than two months after accidentally shooting his former wife while she slept, Peachtree City Police Chief William McCollom has stepped down.

"It was my pleasure to serve with the men and women of the Peachtree City Police Department in the capacity of assistant chief and chief," McCollom said in a statement posted to the city's website. "The city of Peachtree City has every reason to be proud of their police department as the personnel are both competent and professional. I wish each of them the best as they continue to serve the citizens.

"I have had two families in Peachtree City — my police family and my personal family," McCollom added. "In light of the recent tragedy in my personal family, I need to continue to focus my time and efforts there."

William McCollom shot Margaret McCollom in their bed in their suburban Atlanta home in the early morning hours of Jan. 1. At about 4:15 a.m., he called 911 to report he shot Margaret McCollom. She was taken to a hospital in critical condition. Margaret McCollom later told investigators at the hospital that she was asleep at the time but believed it was an accident.

Court records show McCollom has divorced four times, including once from Margaret McCollom, the woman he shot. They divorced in 1999 but later reunited. Initially investigators described them as husband and wife. None of McCollom's divorce filings describe any instances of violence.

Last week, Fayette County District Attorney Scott Ballard said he is seeking a misdemeanor reckless conduct charge against the former chief, saying McCollom acted carelessly by taking a loaded gun to bed after consuming alcohol and sleeping pills. A grand jury will decide whether to charge him, Ballard said.

In a statement, March 5, Ballard said, "There is no evidence to suggest that Chief McCollom intentionally shot Mrs. McCollom, nor did the investigation reveal any motive to cause her harm."

Margaret McCollom is receiving treatment at Shepherd Spinal Center in Atlanta for paralysis below the waist and other complications.

Peachtree City City Manager James Pennington accepted McCollom's resignation and said the search for a new chief will begin immediately. Capt. Stan Pye will serve as interim chief, a position he has held since Jan. 1.

Contributing: Doug Stanglin, USA TODAY; The Associated Press.