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Georgia sheriff's deputy killed, another injured during traffic stop
By Alexandra Koch, Landon Mion
Published April 27, 2025
One Columbia County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) deputy was killed and another was shot in the face during a traffic stop shooting Saturday afternoon in Evans, Georgia.
Deputy Brandon Sikes died at the scene, and deputy Gavin White was taken to the hospital by another deputy, according to CCSO. He remains in critical condition.
Maj. Steve Morris told Fox News Digital the suspect, identified as James Blake Montgomery, was found dead after the shooting.
The Columbia County Sheriff's Office confirmed multiple deputies were shot during a traffic stop on Saturday. (Columbia County Sheriff's Office)
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Deputies stopped Montgomery, who was traveling in his RV, just before 6:30 p.m. Saturday to serve him a protective order when he allegedly started shooting at them, WRDW reported.
Deputies fired back, likely killing Montgomery, according to the report. He was later found dead in the RV, along with a slew of bombs and explosives.
The Columbia County Sheriff's Office confirmed one deputy is dead after a traffic stop shooting in Evans, Georgia. (Columbia County Sheriff's Office)
The outlet reported Montgomery was allegedly involved in an illegal steroid operation.
Montgomery was charged in December 2022 with felony aggravated assault, according to Columbia County court records. Records indicate he was later exonerated.
However, WRDW reported Montgomery received an order from a judge on Thursday requiring him to turn over guns he altered.
It is unclear if the gun used in the shooting, a 9mm AR pistol converted to a fully automatic weapon, was one of the guns ordered to be turned over to the county.
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Evans, Georgia is about 10 miles northwest of Augusta — home to the Augusta National Golf Club and the annual Masters Tournament.
Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson posted to Facebook Saturday night to share his condolences.
"Heartbroken and praying for the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and our neighbors in Columbia County," Johnson wrote. "Our prayers are with the families of the fallen, the entire Sheriff’s Office, and all who are grieving this unimaginable loss. We honor their sacrifice and pray for the difficult days ahead."
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr shared on X he was still waiting for updates on the second deputy injured in the line of duty.
"Anyone willing to put on the uniform every day in a job that’s not safe, with somebody waiting for them to come home at the end of the shift, deserves our unwavering support & continued appreciation," Carr wrote in the post. "We join in praying for the family of this fallen Deputy, his fellow officer, & all who served with him."
Gov. Brian Kemp issued a statement on X saying that he is praying for the deputies' loved ones.
"Marty, the girls, and I are praying for the loved ones and colleagues of the Columbia County sheriffs deputy that has fallen in the line of duty, as well as his fellow law enforcement officer injured tonight while protecting his fellow Georgians," Kemp said. "As they remain in our hearts and prayers, we’re also painfully reminded of why those who wear a badge have more than earned our enduring respect and appreciation."
The suspect has been identified as James Blake Montgomery. (Columbia County Sheriff's Office)
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The Richmond County Sheriff's Office, also reportedly at the scene, did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
CCSO is the lead investigative agency, according to the Georgia State Patrol.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/multiple-deputies-shot-least-1-dead-during-georgia-traffic-stop