GEORGIA: Columbia County Sheriff's Deputy Killed, Another Injured in Traffic Stop Shooting

EVANS, Ga. — A routine traffic stop turned deadly Saturday evening when two Columbia County Sheriff’s Office deputies were shot, leaving one dead and the other in critical condition, authorities confirmed. The incident, which unfolded near Interstate 20 in Evans, Georgia, has prompted a massive law enforcement response and drawn condolences from state officials.

According to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting occurred during a traffic stop around 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Major Steve Morris of the sheriff’s office told Fox News Digital that one deputy succumbed to their injuries, while the second was rushed to a hospital and remains in critical condition. The names of the deputies have not been released pending notification of their families.

The suspect, identified as James Blake Montgomery, was believed to have barricaded himself in a camper near Mile Marker 194 off Belair Road, close to the Arrowood Mobile Home Community. Law enforcement deployed helicopters, drones, and a robot to approach the RV, which authorities feared might contain explosives or pipe bombs. By 12:30 a.m. Sunday, deputies breached the camper after hours of standoff, though it remains unclear whether Montgomery was apprehended or found deceased. Morris stated late Saturday that Montgomery was “no longer a threat,” but no arrests had been confirmed as of 9:30 p.m. that evening.

The Georgia State Patrol assisted by blocking roads, and the Georgia Department of Transportation reported that Interstate 20 was closed near Jimmie Dyess Parkway, causing significant traffic delays. The interstate reopened around 5 a.m. Sunday. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with one local resident telling WRDW-TV they heard rapid gunfire—“pop-pop-pop-pop”—followed by sirens and a heavy police presence.

The investigation is ongoing, with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation likely to assist, though no official statement from the agency was available at the time of reporting. Montgomery’s prior criminal history includes a 2022 aggravated assault charge, for which he received first offender status and was exonerated in December 2024, according to court records.

17GEN4.com