In the aftermath of a traffic stop turned into a deadly ambush, a Georgia sheriff’s deputy was killed in the line of duty and another was critically wounded.
The suspect, who had a history of domestic violence, was armed with pipe bombs and a fully automatic weapon.
Columbia County Deputy Brandon Sikes was fatally shot and Deputy Gavin White was critically injured after being shot in the face during the same incident on I-20 near Augusta.
The assailant, James Blake Montgomery, was driving a motor home that was later found to contain an arsenal of weapons and explosives.
According to Sheriff Clay Whittle, Montgomery had initially cooperated with deputies during the stop but suddenly opened fire with a converted fully-automatic weapon.
The suspect shot the deputies as they walked back to their patrol car after what appeared to be a routine interaction.
The attack came even though Montgomery was under a judge’s order to surrender his firearms due to previous incidents.
Columbia County Sheriff Clay Whittle discussed the deadly incident, saying, “Unfortunately, we’re going to have to have a funeral for a very brave officer who has been with us since 2018. He was one of our crime suppression officers.”
“His name is Brandon Sikes. He is survived by his wife, Amber, who is also an employee here of the sheriff’s office,” the sheriff continued.
He added, “And it’s going to be a difficult time for the sheriff’s office, but we’re going to get through this. We just ask that everyone keeps us in their thoughts and prayers.”
The shooting led to a nine-hour closure of Interstate 20 as multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene, including U.S. Marshals and Georgia State Patrol.
After deputies returned fire, Montgomery retreated to his motor home where he was later found dead.
James Blake Montgomery gunned down Georgia deputies when their backs were turned.
This coward murdered Deputy Brandon Sikes in cold blood.
Deputy Gavin White has a long road to recovery ahead of him. Pray for their families and for all officers facing violence every day. pic.twitter.com/tPcbKSS9iH
— Law Enforcement Legal Defense (@LELDF) April 28, 2025
The exact cause of his death remains under investigation by the Regional Force Investigation Team.
When authorities searched Montgomery’s motor home, they discovered a disturbing cache of weapons, such as pipe bombs, a remote switch bomb, handguns, and illegal steroids.
The findings confirmed law enforcement’s suspicions that Montgomery was operating a steroid distribution operation.
Deputy White underwent surgery following the shooting and remains in critical condition.
Despite the severity of his injuries, Sheriff Whittle provided a cautiously optimistic update on his condition.
“He is able to communicate to them and has the use of both his hands and feet. That is a positive sign, but he is going to take a long time to recover,” the sheriff explained.
Witnesses near the scene reported hearing the sudden gunfire. “I was just outside, you know, sitting outside, and all of a sudden I just heard, sounded like some fire popper—pop-pop-pop-pop,” one witness told local media.
An employee at the nearby Cracker Barrel similarly recounted, “I heard three gunshots, and people yelling.”
This tragic incident marks the third Georgia law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty this year.
It is also the second line-of-duty death in the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office’s history, with the first occurring in 2004.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed his condolences, stating:
“Marty, the girls, and I are praying for the loved ones and colleagues of the Columbia County sheriff’s deputy that has fallen in the line of duty, as well as his fellow law enforcement officer injured tonight while protecting his fellow Georgians. 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.”
