Georgia Police Chief Says He Accidentally Shot Wife

The Peachtree City, Georgia, police chief who says he accidentally shot his wife in their home early New Year's Day shot her once in their bedroom, Inspector Sherry Lang of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said today.

The incident has left the small-town police department "hurting," Peachtree City police spokesman Lt. Mark Brown said at a news conference this afternoon.

Brown called chief of police William McCollom "well-liked, well-loved."

"We are concerned for his wife and are concerned for the chief," Brown said.

There were no witnesses inside the home and the shooting took place in the couple's bedroom, the GBI's Lang said at the news conference.

McCollom earlier called 911 after 4 a.m. today and said he shot his wife in their home by accident, the GBI told ABC affiliate WSB in Atlanta.

His wife, Margaret McCollom, is in critical condition at Atlanta Medical Center, according to District Attorney Scott Ballard. He said that she is expected to undergo surgery today.

McCollom has been placed on administrative leave and an internal review is underway.