A deadly attack on Georgia law enforcement has left a deputy dead, another critically wounded, and revealed a troubling arsenal of illegal weapons and explosives.
The shooter used a modified automatic weapon to ambush officers during what started as a routine traffic stop.
Specifically, Columbia County Deputy Brandon Sikes was fatally shot and Deputy Gavin White was critically injured.
This happened when suspect James Blake Montgomery opened fire on them during a traffic stop on I-20 near Augusta, Georgia.
The incident began when deputies pulled over Montgomery’s motor home. According to officials, Montgomery initially cooperated with deputies.
However, when they returned to their patrol vehicle, he suddenly unleashed a barrage of gunfire using a weapon that had been illegally converted to fully automatic.
Despite being under a judge’s order to surrender his firearms, Montgomery chose instead to use them against law enforcement officers protecting their community.
Sheriff Clay Whittle revealed that Montgomery was later found dead in the motor home after deputies returned fire.
The killer had been operating a steroid operation and possessed an alarming cache of weapons.
Inside the motor home, investigators discovered pipe bombs, a remote switch bomb, handguns, and illegal steroids.
The incident forced the closure of I-20 for nine hours as multiple agencies responded to the dangerous standoff.
RIP. Georgia Deputy Sheriff Brandon Sikes was murdered when he was shot and killed after serving a temporary restraining order.
Deputy Sheriff Sikes, along with three other deputies, had delivered a temporary restraining order to a suspect. Initially, the man complied, but when… pic.twitter.com/W1fPIHY8wy
— Protecting the Blue (@protectingblue) April 27, 2025
Deputy White, who was shot in the face, underwent surgery and remains in critical condition.
Despite the severity of his injuries, there are encouraging signs of recovery. Sheriff Whittle shared positive news about the injured deputy’s condition following the horrific attack.
“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 shared.
Deputy Sikes, who had served with the department since 2018, leaves behind his wife Amber, who also works at the sheriff’s office.
The loss marks the second line-of-duty death for the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, with the first occurring in 2004.
The incident represents the third Georgia law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty this year.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed his condolences, acknowledging the ultimate sacrifice made by Deputy Sikes.
He stated:
“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.”
The incident is currently under investigation by the Regional Force Investigation Team.
