911 Call Released: Listen To Peachtree City Police Chief William McCollom Call For Help After Shooting Wife [Audio]

The harrowing 911 call that Peachtree City Police Chief William McCollom made after shooting his 58-year-old wife, Margaret, has been released, reports the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. During the 911 call, McCollom sounds calm — a demeanor attributed to his line of work — but also impatient and distracted as he tries to explain to the 911 operator that there’s been what he calls an accidental gunshot wound, one that required medical attention as soon as possible.

Initially, McCollom caused confusion, telling the 911 operator that his wife was shot in the front and the back, leading the 911 operator to ask if the woman had been shot twice accidentally. Upon further questioning during the 911 call, the 911 operator learns that Margaret has reportedly been shot once.

“The gun was in the bed; I went to move it and it went off.”

It was a Glock 17 9-millimeter that went off when McCollom said he tried to move his department-issued weapon in the bed. McCollom told the 911 operator initially that Margaret wasn’t awake when the shooting happened — then the 911 operator clarified her question, asking McCollom if his wife was currently awake after being shot, during the 911 call.

“You having trouble breathing, dear?”

Eventually during the 911 call, Margaret can be heard moaning in pain in the background as the 911 operator asks more about the location of the gun and McCollom’s statements.

“I’m the Chief of Police; the gun is on the dresser.”

“You’re the Chief of Police in Peachtree City?”

“Yeah, unfortunately, yes.”

The 911 operator goes on to discover that the shooting victim is indeed his wife, and assures McCollom that somebody else has already dispatched help.

“Is there any serious bleeding?”

“Yes, it’s internal.”

McCollom states that his wife has begun to have trouble breathing, so he knows the bleeding must be internal. The 911 operator instructs him to stem off any external bleeding by applying direct pressure to the wound.

“Hold the cloth there and do not lift it.”

McCollum explains that he has to open the door for the 911 call responders, since he and his wife are the only ones at home. Finally, hints of emotion and fear can be heard in his voice during the 911 call, which has also been posted in an abbreviated format on NBC News.

“Oh my God, how the hell did this happen? You all right, dear? I know you’re not all right.”

As reported by the Inquisitr, Peachtree City police chief William McCollom is on administrative leave, a man who can be heard on the 911 call trying to get help for his wife, seemingly as soon as possible.

“Come on, hurry, hurry, hurry.”

[Image credit: NBC]