Officer Killed, Another Injured During Traffic Stop in Georgia
A tragic incident unfolded in Georgia on April 26, where a police officer was killed and another was injured during a traffic stop. The suspect, identified as James Blake Montgomery, was involved in the confrontation.
The events transpired around 6:30 PM local time in Columbia County on Interstate 20, near Belair Road. Officers were attempting to serve Montgomery a restraining order related to domestic violence when the situation escalated.
According to officials, after initially cooperating, Montgomery suddenly fired shots from inside his RV, resulting in the death of Deputy Brandon Sikes. Another officer, Gavin White, was critically injured and required emergency surgery. He is currently recovering in the hospital.
Deputy Sikes had been with the force since 2018 and worked on the crime suppression team. His wife is also employed by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.
After the shooting, Montgomery reportedly tried to escape in the RV but was later found deceased inside. The exact circumstances of his death have not yet been clarified. Authorities discovered potential pipe bombs and drug paraphernalia at the scene using a police robot and drones.
Witnesses in the area described hearing loud popping noises, initially mistaking them for fireworks, followed shortly by the arrival of police sirens.
Montgomery had been living in his RV while working landscaping jobs. Sources mention that he had been separated from his wife, with whom he shares a child, for several months.
In response to this incident, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed his condolences, stating he was praying for the families of both the fallen officer and the injured officer. He emphasized the importance of respect for law enforcement.
After the incident, Montgomery’s brother-in-law, David Guillebeau, expressed shock, saying, "This isn’t the person that I knew." He acknowledged the pain experienced by both families involved, highlighting the emotional toll this tragedy has taken on everyone.
Both the Columbia County community and the law enforcement family are mourning during this difficult time.
