Tragedy on I-20: Columbia County Deputy Killed, Another Critically Injured in Traffic Stop Shooting; Suspect Identified as James Blake Montgomery
EVANS, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) — The Columbia County community and law enforcement agencies across Georgia are reeling after a tragic and violent confrontation on Saturday evening that left one sheriff’s deputy dead and another critically injured during a traffic stop on Interstate 20.
The devastating chain of events began around 6:30 p.m. near the Jimmie Dyess Parkway/Belair Road exit. Deputies attempted a routine traffic stop when the situation quickly escalated. Authorities say that 41-year-old James Blake Montgomery opened fire on the deputies, resulting in the immediate death of one and serious injuries to another.
As of early Sunday morning, the identity of the slain deputy had not yet been officially released pending notification of family. The wounded deputy was rushed to a local hospital and remains in critical condition.
Prolonged Standoff on Interstate 20
Following the shooting, Montgomery fled and barricaded himself inside a recreational vehicle (RV) parked along I-20. What followed was an hours-long tense standoff involving dozens of law enforcement personnel, helicopters, drones, and SWAT teams.
Fearing Montgomery had explosives, authorities approached with extreme caution. Deputies used multiple controlled charges to breach the RV and deployed robots and drones inside to avoid further casualties. Despite repeated breaches and hours of surveillance, no response came from inside the RV, leading officers to suspect Montgomery might already be dead.
Around 12:30 a.m. Sunday, law enforcement confirmed entry into the RV. By 9:20 p.m. Saturday night, authorities had stated that Montgomery was “no longer a threat,” though full confirmation of his status was pending at the time.
Suspect’s Troubling History
James Blake Montgomery was no stranger to law enforcement. He had previously been charged with aggravated assault in 2022 but was exonerated after taking first offender status in December 2024.
Authorities had recently issued alerts warning that Montgomery might have been manufacturing pipe bombs and modifying firearms to fire fully automatic — a chilling backdrop to Saturday’s fatal encounter. He was living in an RV at a nearby state park and working odd jobs, according to sources close to his family.
Montgomery was reportedly estranged from his wife, and had one biological child as well as stepchildren from his wife’s previous relationship.
Area on Lockdown
The incident caused widespread disruption across Columbia County. Interstate 20 was closed in both directions near Exit 194 for several hours, forcing traffic detours and snarling evening travel. Surrounding roads like Belair Road and Bobby Jones Expressway were also shut down as a precaution. By early Sunday morning, traffic flow had resumed, although heavy law enforcement presence remained at the scene.
Witnesses near the area described chaos in the moments after the shooting. Some reported hearing rapid “pop-pop-pop” sounds, and others saw deputies and emergency vehicles swarming the area within minutes.
One employee at a nearby Popeyes restaurant said, “We were slammed one minute, and the next, the whole place was empty and the road was shut down.” Another Cracker Barrel employee reported hearing gunfire and seeing multiple law enforcement agencies arriving.
Grief and Condolences Pour In
The loss of a deputy in the line of duty sent shockwaves throughout Georgia’s law enforcement and civic communities.
Sheriff Gino Brantley of Richmond County released a heartfelt statement quoting Matthew 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God,” while extending condolences to the fallen deputy’s family and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.
Similar messages of support poured in from:
- Governor Brian Kemp, who stated he and his family were “heartbroken” and urged Georgians to “honor their sacrifice and pray for the difficult days ahead.”
- Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, who emphasized the bravery and daily sacrifices made by those in uniform.
- The Richmond County Marshal’s Office, Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson, Waynesboro Police Department, Barnwell Police Department, and numerous other agencies who expressed their solidarity and sorrow.
The Augusta Fire Department and Emergency Management Agency also extended their prayers for the deputy still fighting for his life in the hospital.
A Community United in Grief
Columbia County Sheriff’s Office announced plans for a news conference scheduled for Sunday afternoon to provide further updates on the investigation and to formally honor the fallen deputy.
This tragic incident serves as a painful reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face every day in service to their communities.
As the investigation continues, Columbia County, the state of Georgia, and the broader law enforcement family mourn a devastating loss, while clinging to hope for the full recovery of the wounded deputy.