Columbia County, Ga. — Two Columbia County deputies were shot while serving a Temporary Protective Order (TPO) on Saturday afternoon, leading to the death of one deputy and leaving another critically injured. The incident unfolded near Exit 194 on Interstate 20 Westbound around 6:24 p.m.

According to investigators, Deputies Brandon Sikes and Gavin White were attempting to serve the order when they were ambushed by the suspect, later identified as 42-year-old James Blake Montgomery. During the exchange of gunfire, Deputy Sikes was fatally shot, while Deputy White was struck in the face but managed to survive.

Deputy White was rushed to a nearby hospital, where authorities confirmed he remains in critical condition. Despite his severe injuries, White was able to communicate with medical personnel, revealing that he faces a long recovery ahead.

Following the shooting, Montgomery attempted to flee the scene in an RV. However, his escape was quickly thwarted when his vehicle collided with a wire barrier on I-20. Law enforcement from multiple agencies, including the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Georgia State Patrol, responded to the scene. The suspect was eventually found dead inside his RV.

Investigators later discovered a cache of dangerous materials inside Montgomery’s RV, including pipe bombs, bomb-making supplies, firearms, ammunition, and jars containing an unidentified liquid. Authorities also revealed that Montgomery had been involved in the illegal steroid trade, a factor which could have contributed to his violent actions.

Sheriff Clay Whittle confirmed that Montgomery had died at the scene, though the exact cause of death has not yet been publicly disclosed.

The loss of Deputy Sikes has deeply impacted the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office. Sikes, a devoted law enforcement officer, leaves behind his wife, Amber, who also works for the department. The sheriff’s office extended its condolences to the family and colleagues of the fallen deputy.

Sheriff Whittle offered an update on Deputy White’s condition, stating, “He’s in critical condition, but he’s able to communicate. His recovery will be a long road, but we’re hopeful for his recovery.” The sheriff also reflected on the shock and heartbreak felt by the community, especially considering the gravity of the incident.

“This isn’t the Blake that I knew. I haven’t talked to him in quite some time, but this isn’t the person that I knew,” said an individual who was familiar with Montgomery. “Something has changed in him for him to do this. I just hope people remember that he has a child and a family here locally, just like the officers do.”

The shooting caused a major traffic disruption along I-20, with both westbound and eastbound lanes shut down for more than nine hours while law enforcement worked the scene. The Georgia Department of Transportation confirmed the interstate was reopened around 4:30 a.m. on Sunday morning.

As of now, authorities continue to investigate the circumstances leading to the violent confrontation and the criminal activities tied to Montgomery. The situation underscores the unpredictable dangers faced by law enforcement officers while performing their duties, and the tragic consequences of an already volatile situation.