EVANS, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - News 12 has learned that the man who killed one deputy and injured another was facing a judge’s order to turn over all weapons.

The order, signed Thursday by a judge, said he was supposed to give his weapons to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.

Instead, he opened fire on deputies with one of those guns – one that had been altered to operate on full automatic.

James Blake Montgomery had raised concerns from authorities who thought he was altering guns to operate in fully automatic mode and was making pipe bombs.

After Columbia County deputies stopped him around 6:24 p.m. Saturday in an RV on Interstate 20 to serve him with a protective order – presumably the one signed Thursday – he opened fire on them.

One deputy, Brandon Sikes, was killed, while another, Gavin White, was injured.

Other deputies fired back, and that’s how Sheriff Clay Whittle believes Montgomery died.

His body was found hours later – as were a variety of bombs and explosive paraphernalia in the RV.

On Sunday afternoon, Whittle said that when officers approached Montgomery, he was compliant initially.

However, when two of the deputies turned away, Montgomery fired a 9mm AR pistol that had been converted to fully automatic at the three deputies on the scene.

Sikes was struck and killed at the scene.

White was struck in the face and is in critical condition and has use of his extremities. He is currently in surgery at Wellstar MCG hospital.

Whittle said White has a long recovery ahead of him, but is “very upbeat and incredibly strong.”

Deputy Andrew Brown was able to retrieve his gun and, along with Deputy Jared Mason, fired back at the RV.

“They both engaged the shooter themselves, but I think they are the ones who brought this to an end,” said Whittle.

Amid the firing from Montgomery, Brown dragged White to a patrol car and drove him to Doctors Hospital. Doctors said Brown’s actions probably saved White’s life.

During the incident, Montgomery tried to drive the RV away, but veered into the cable barriers on the left side of the highway, bringing it to a stop.

Montgomery was found dead in the RV hours later.

After Montgomery was found dead, a robot and drones identified possible pipe bombs and possible drug paraphernalia in the RV. One of the bombs was rigged with a remote switch.

Investigators found four propane containers underneath the RV.

Whittle revealed Montgomery was part of an illegal steroid operation. It’s unclear what his intentions were.

The incident is being investigated by the Regional Force Investigation Team, which includes Columbia, Burke and Richmond counties.

Sikes had been a deputy since 2018 on the crime suppression team. Sikes’s wife, Amber, is also an employee of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office. Sikes’s autopsy will be Monday.

Montgomery’s body is being transported to the GBI crime lab for an autopsy at a later date.

What happened Saturday evening?

“I was just outside, you know, sitting outside, and all of a sudden I just heard, sounded like some fire popper – pop-pop-pop-pop,” one witness said.

“Then about two or three minutes later, I heard sirens and come to find out ... They were having a shoot-out right here on I-20. ... Yeah, officer. They said deputy been killed.”

After the shooting, authorities say Montgomery retreated inside the RV – which authorities feared might be full of explosives.

Late Saturday after hours of surrounding the RV and blowing open the door to send in a robot, deputies said he was no longer a threat.

With the RV on the side of I-20, the highway remained closed overnight, but it reopened before dawn Sunday.

Even before the confrontation, Montgomery had drawn the attention of authorities.

A “be on the lookout” alert had been issued to law enforcement, saying he was suspected of making pipe bombs and converting weapons to be fully automatic.

He’d been working odd jobs like landscaping and tree removal while living in the RV at a state park, News 12 learned.

He’d had run-ins with the law in the past.

Court records show a charge of aggravated assault was filed on May 5, 2022.

He took first offender status and the case was disposed on Dec. 16, 2024. He was exonerated and there was no criminal conviction.

More recently, Montgomery and his wife had been estranged/living apart for several months, maybe a year, a person close to the family told News 12. He had one child and she had children from a previous marriage, News 12 was told.

How it unfolded

Some witnesses heard the gunfire that was followed by a flood of law enforcement and the shutdown of I-20 and Belair Road.

“I heard three gunshots, and people yelling,” said an employee at the Cracker Barrel just south of I-20 where Belair becomes Jimmie Dyess Parkway.

Then the officers started swarming in.

“After that, that’s when I started seeing sheriffs from Burke County and all that,” she said.

One employee at the Popeyes on Belair said she saw “the officers flying up the road,” then “next thing you know, they sealed the road off.”

Before she knew it, the restaurant – which moments before had been in a rush – was empty and Belair was closed.

Soon after the shooting happened, law enforcement vehicles were zooming down Gordon Highway and I-520 toward I-20 – and they were from all varieties of agencies, from local law enforcement to the Georgia State Patrol and Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

Officers were keeping traffic from getting on westbound I-20 from I-520, and they weren’t even letting vehicles get onto Bobby Jones Expressway toward Washington Road, a busy corridor.

Belair Road had reopened by 9:35 p.m., but the entire area was very active with law enforcement, and I-20 was to remain closed for several more hours.

Late Saturday into Sunday morning, the RV was the focus of law enforcement alongside I-20, which was devoid of traffic except for police cars with flashing blue lights.

Authorities had surrounded the RV, with a helicopter and Columbia County Sheriff’s Office drones in the air.

Late into the night, authorities were using explosives to try to get in safely.

Around 10:15 p.m., deputies backed away from the RV and a puff of gray smoke billowed away. That happened again around 10:40 p.m., and then twice more.

The situation remained tense until about 1 a.m., when officers entered the RV, with flashlight beams visible through the windows.

PHOTO GALLERY: DEPUTIES SHOT IN COLUMBIA COUNTY

That’s when authorities stated for a second time that Montgomery was “no longer a threat.” Some law enforcement sources privately told News 12 Montgomery was thought to be dead inside the RV, but there was no official confirmation of that.

Around 4:30 a.m. Sunday, law enforcement had left the scene and I-20 reopened.

There was little activity at the site after daybreak Sunday.

But by late morning, three women were at the scene, apparently looking through the grass for something and placing objects in a bag or bucket. They didn’t appear to be with law enforcement.

Around 12:15 p.m. Sunday, multiple deputies were back at the scene in the median of 1-20.

Reaction pours in

Chairman Doug Duncan and the Columbia County Board of Commissioners:

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Officer Brandon Sikes, who was tragically killed in the line of duty while serving Columbia County. Officer Sikes exemplified the highest standards of bravery and dedication, making the ultimate sacrifice to protect others. Our prayers and heartfelt condolences are with his family during this incredibly difficult time. We also ask for your continued thoughts and prayers for Officer Gavin White as he fights for his recovery. We honor their extraordinary commitment and courage and are forever indebted to them for their service. We will never forget the sacrifices made in the pursuit of safety and justice.

Richmond County Sheriff’s Office:

Today is a very sad day for the CSRA. Sheriff Gino Brantley and the entire Richmond County Sheriff’s Office offer condolences to the friends, family, and brothers in blue for their fallen Deputy. We also ask everyone for your prayers and support for the Deputy in the hospital.

Matthew 5:9 states, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” This verse from the Bible’s Sermon on the Mount highlights the importance of peacemaking and identifies those who actively work towards reconciliation and harmony as being blessed and recognized as God’s children.”

We have been and will continue to be by their side as needed.

Richmond County Marshal’s Office:

The Richmond County Marshal’s Office stands in deep mourning after learning that deputies were shot in the line of duty this evening, resulting in the tragic loss of one deputy’s life. We grieve with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and the families affected by this terrible tragedy.

Every man and woman who puts on a uniform does so knowing the risks, yet bravely answers the call to protect and serve. Tonight reminds us all of the weight of that sacrifice.

On behalf of Marshal Ramone Lamkin and the entire Marshal’s Office, we offer our deepest prayers, our unwavering support, and our heartfelt condolences to the families, loved ones, and colleagues of those impacted.

We ask our community to lift them up in prayer and to continue standing together in unity during this painful time

Augusta Fire Department and Emergency Management Agency:

Tonight, we lift up the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office family, the families of the deputies, and the entire community in our prayers. Our hearts are with you during this unimaginable loss, and we continue to pray for healing for the deputy who remains hospitalized.

Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson:

Heartbroken and praying for the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and our neighbors in Columbia County. Our prayers are with the families of the fallen, the entire Sheriff’s Office, and all who are grieving this unimaginable loss. We honor their sacrifice and pray for the difficult days ahead.

Gov. Brian Kemp:

Marty, the girls, and I are praying for the loved ones and colleagues of the Columbia County sheriffs deputy that has fallen in the line of duty, as well as his fellow law enforcement officer injured tonight while protecting his fellow Georgians.

As they remain in our hearts and prayers, we’re also painfully reminded of why those who wear a badge have more than earned our enduring respect and appreciation.

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones:

While protecting their community, a Columbia County sheriffs deputy lost his life in the line of duty and his fellow colleague was injured. Please join Jan and I in keeping their families and loved ones, along with the entire Columbia County community, in our thoughts and prayers.

Our hearts are with these heroes in blue and all those who serve to keep us safe. They deserve our prayers and appreciation, along with our unwavering support.

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr:

Our hearts break for those in Columbia County as we mourn the loss of a Sheriff’s Deputy and await updates on a second officer injured in the line of duty.

Anyone willing to put on the uniform every day in a job that’s not safe, with somebody waiting for them to come home at the end of the shift, deserves our unwavering support and continued appreciation.

We join in praying for the family of this fallen Deputy, his fellow officer, and all who served with him.

Georgia Department of Public Safety:

On behalf of our agency, we extend our deepest condolences to Sheriff Clay Whittle and the entire Columbia County Sheriff’s Office on the tragic loss of Deputy Brandon Sikes, who was killed in the line of duty during a traffic stop on April 26, 2025. Our thoughts are also with Deputy Gavin White as he recovers from his injuries. We honor their service and sacrifice, and we stand in solidarity with their families, colleagues, and the Columbia County community during this difficult time.

Waynesboro Police Department:

This evening the hearts of the men and women at the Waynesboro Police Department are with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and the family of the deputy sheriff who was killed by gunfire, as well as the second deputy who was wounded today while attempting to conduct a traffic stop on Interstate 20.

Please keep these deputies’ families, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and the community in your prayers.

Barnwell Police Department:

Barnwell Police Department is praying for the two Columbia County Sheriff’s Deputies and their families. To the one that was sadly taken from their family and to the one still fighting for their life. Our hearts and prayers go out to them and their Department. We got your six rest easy and prayers of healing. We pray that the suspect will be found and justice will be served.

Burnnettown Police Department:

This evening our hearts are with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and the family of the deputy sheriff who was killed by gunfire, as well as the second deputy who was wounded today while attempting to conduct a traffic stop on Interstate 20.

Please keep these deputies’ families, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and the community in your prayers.

Burke County Sheriff Alfonzo Williams:

Today, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office joins countless others in mourning alongside the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office as they endure an unimaginable loss. We are heartbroken to hear of the tragic passing of one of their deputies and the critical injury of another.

To the families, friends, and colleagues of these brave deputies — please know that you are not alone in your grief. Our entire department stands with you in this time of sorrow, offering our prayers, our strength, and our unwavering support.

Law enforcement is a brotherhood and sisterhood unlike any other. When one agency hurts, we all hurt. We honor the ultimate sacrifice made in service to the community, and we are lifting up the injured deputy, praying for a full and swift recovery.

May we never forget the courage and commitment these deputies showed. And may we always remember to lift up and care for one another — today and every day.

Thomson Police Department:

TPD sends our support and prayers to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.

Screven County Sheriff’s Office:

We are heartbroken and lifting up the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and our neighbors in Columbia County in prayer. Our hearts go out to the families of the fallen, the entire Sheriff’s Office, and everyone mourning this tragic loss. We honor their service and sacrifice, and we are keeping them close in prayer during the difficult days ahead.

Glascock County Sheriff Jeremy Kelley:

We are keeping the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and the families of the deputies involved in today’s shooting in our thoughts and prayers. One deputy is hospitalized in unknown condition, and tragically, one has passed away.

We also send strength and prayers to the officers actively searching for the suspect.

Wilkes County GA Emergency Services:

We send our deepest condolences to the Columbia County Officers family and loved ones. One officer has been killed and another shot on I-20. We are praying for his recovery. The area of the shooting is near exit 194 and ALL lanes of I-20 are closed until further notice. The suspect is no longer a threat according to the Augusta News Media.

Aiken County Sheriff’s Office:

Hearts are heavy throughout the Law Enforcement community as we are a brotherhood no matter where our jurisdictional lines may keep us, we are all bound with a commitment to protect and serve others.

Sheriff Sawyer and the men and women of the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office sends our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office - Appling, GA and their families as they deal with this unimaginable tragedy.

North Augusta Public Safety:

North Augusta Public Safety sends our thoughts and prayers to the men and women of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office - Appling, GA and their families as they deal with this tragedy.

New Ellenton Police Department:

Our hearts go out to our blue family in Columbia County Georgia, we stand with you in this tragic incident.

Allendale Police Department:

Prayers for the two deputy’s in Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.

Washington County Sheriff Joel Cochran:

Sheriff Joel Cochran and the entire Washington County Sheriff’s Office extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and brothers and sisters in blue of the fallen Columbia County Deputy who gave the ultimate sacrifice on yesterday.

We also ask everyone to lift up in prayer the Deputy who was seriously injured and remains in the hospital. Our hearts are with them, their families, and the entire Columbia County Sheriff’s Office family during this unimaginably difficult time.

We stand with Columbia County Sheriff’s Office… Our hearts break for them as they lost one of their own in the line of duty last night. Our thoughts and prayers remain strong with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the deputies, and their families during this difficult and tragic time.

McCormick County Sheriff’s Office:

Please join us as we pray for the families of the deputies who were involved in the incident in Columbia County (GA) yesterday. Unfortunately, one of our brothers in blue lost his life in the line of duty and another brother critically injured. Also, please lift up Sheriff Whittle and the entire Columbia County Sheriff’s Office staff as they mourn and begin to heal.

Gold Cross EMS:

We at Gold Cross EMS are praying for our brothers and sisters at the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.

We honor the sacrifice of the deputy who tragically loss their life working to keep our community safe and we are praying for the deputy who was injured.

God bless the families, friends, colleagues, and our community impacted by this loss. #ColumbiaCountyStrong

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