Tragedy on I-20: Columbia County Deputy Killed, Another Critically Injured During Traffic Stop; Suspect James Blake Montgomery Identified
EVANS, Ga. — A devastating tragedy unfolded Saturday evening in Columbia County, Georgia, as a routine traffic stop turned deadly on Interstate 20. Authorities confirmed that one deputy from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office was shot and killed, and another critically wounded, after a violent encounter with a suspect who has been identified as James Blake Montgomery.
The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. near the Jimmie Dyess Parkway/Belair Road exit. Deputies had initiated a traffic stop when Montgomery allegedly opened fire, fatally striking one deputy and seriously injuring another. The names of the deputies have not yet been officially released pending notification of family.
Following the shooting, Montgomery fled the scene and barricaded himself inside an RV parked on the side of I-20. Fearing the presence of explosives and potential pipe bombs, authorities acted with extreme caution. Explosive charges were used multiple times to breach the vehicle, and drones and robots were deployed to safely investigate.
By approximately 12:30 a.m. Sunday morning, law enforcement officers gained entry to the RV. Montgomery was found deceased inside. Officials later confirmed that he was “no longer a threat.”
Suspect’s Background
James Blake Montgomery had a troubling history, including prior charges of aggravated assault in 2022, although he had been exonerated under Georgia’s first offender program. According to sources close to his family, Montgomery had been estranged from his wife for several months and was living out of his RV, performing odd jobs such as landscaping and tree removal.
An alert to law enforcement before the shooting warned that Montgomery might have been manufacturing pipe bombs and converting firearms to fully automatic weapons, significantly raising the level of concern among authorities.
Massive Law Enforcement Response
Immediately following the shooting, law enforcement agencies from across the region, including Georgia State Patrol, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and local sheriff’s offices, rushed to the scene. Interstate 20 was shut down in both directions near Exit 194 for several hours as the standoff with Montgomery unfolded. A detour was established for eastbound traffic at Exit 190.
Authorities worked throughout the night to ensure the area was safe before reopening the highway early Sunday morning. Belair Road, which had also been closed during the operation, reopened shortly before 9:30 p.m.
Reaction and Outpouring of Support
The loss sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community and the broader Columbia County area. Statements of grief and support poured in from agencies and leaders across Georgia.
- Richmond County Sheriff’s Office: “Today is a very sad day for the CSRA. Our hearts are with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.”
- Gov. Brian Kemp: “Marty, the girls, and I are praying for the loved ones and colleagues of the fallen deputy and the deputy still fighting for his life.”
- Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr: “Anyone willing to put on the uniform every day deserves our unwavering support.”
- Local Police Departments: Agencies like Waynesboro, Barnwell, and Burnettown also issued messages of solidarity and condolences.
Mayor Garnett Johnson of Augusta added, “We honor their sacrifice and pray for the difficult days ahead.”
What Witnesses Saw
Eyewitnesses described chaotic and terrifying moments when the shooting took place. One man described hearing “pop-pop-pop-pop” gunfire from nearby, followed quickly by a flood of sirens. Employees at local businesses, including a Popeyes and a Cracker Barrel near the exit, recounted watching in shock as law enforcement swarmed the area.
What Comes Next
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office is expected to hold a press conference later Sunday to provide further details on the incident, including the identities of the deputies involved and additional information on the investigation.
As the community mourns, tributes continue to pour in for the brave deputies who risked—and in one heartbreaking case, gave—their lives in the line of duty.