Ga. Deputy Killed, Another Critically Injured During Violent Traffic Stop

One deputy was killed and a second remains in critical condition after being shot in the face during a traffic stop Saturday in east Georgia, according to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.

The deputy killed was identified Sunday as Brandon Sikes, the sheriff’s office said.

At about 6:30 p.m., deputies were attempting a traffic stop on a motor home allegedly driven by James Blake Montgomery on I-20 between exits 193 and 194, just outside of Augusta, Columbia County Sheriff Clay Whittle said during a press conference Sunday.

Montgomery was initially cooperative as responding deputies informed he was wanted and that they needed to serve him with a temporary protective order. But as two of the deputies then turned to walk back to their vehicle, Montgomery opened fire with an 9mm AR pistol that had been converted to an automatic weapon, the sheriff said.

Deputy Gavin White, also identified Sunday, was injured after being shot once in the face, the sheriff said. White remains in critical condition and medical staff were operating on his sinus and oral cavity to remove bullet fragments and “save as much as they can,” Whittle said.

“He is able to communicate to them and has the use of both his hands and feet,” the sheriff said. “That is a positive sign, but he is going to take a long time to recover.”

Sikes had been with the sheriff’s office since 2018. He is survived by his wife, Amber, who is also an employee there, the sheriff said.

“It’s going to be a difficult time for the sheriff’s office but we are going to get through this,” Whittle added.

In a statement, Columbia County Commission Chairman Doug Duncan and the Board of Commissioners said that Sikes “exemplified the highest standards of bravery and dedication, making the ultimate sacrifice to protect others.”

“Our prayers and heartfelt condolences are with his family during this incredibly difficult time. We also ask for your continued thoughts and prayers for Officer Gavin White as he fights for his recovery,” the statement said. “We honor their extraordinary commitment and courage and are forever indebted to them for their service. We will never forget the sacrifices made in the pursuit of safety and justice.”

Montgomery was eventually found dead in the camper after two deputies returned fire, but the sheriff said it was still unclear how he died. Whittle said he hoped that the autopsies of Montgomery and Sikes would give them some more answers.

“His death remains under investigation,” Major Steve Morris told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Inside his motor home, investigators found pipe bombs, and another type of bomb that had been rigged with a remote switch, officials said. The GBI and a bomb squad had to carefully breach the camper to get inside to disarm it. Law enforcement also found handguns, magazines for the converted pistol, boxes of ammo and clear jars of unidentified liquid, according to Whittle, who added that Montgomery was involved in the selling of illegal steroids.

The shooting closed I-20 in both directions for about nine hours during the investigation, according to the Georgia DOT. An investigation into the gunfire is ongoing.

Gov. Brian Kemp expressed his sympathies on social media for the fallen deputy on behalf of his office, his wife, Marty, and his family.

“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,” 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 Columbia deputy was the third Georgia law enforcement officer to die in the line of duty this year, according to police.

The shooting comes during a terrifying two weeks for metro Atlanta officers, where separate incidents have left one officer dead and four others injured.

On April 16, South Fulton police Lt. Helio Garcia was killed in a head-on crash while on duty. Garcia, 47, was the first South Fulton officer to die in the line of duty and was promoted to captain during his funeral service.

Earlier this year, Roswell Police Department Officer Jeremy Labonte, 24, was shot and killed Feb. 7 responding to a call reporting a suspicious person.

Saturday’s death is the second for the Columbia sheriff’s office, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page, which tracks law enforcement deaths. On July 12, 2004, Deputy Sheriff Wesley Mack, a U.S. Army veteran, died from injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash. He was 46.

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