COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ga. () – Two Columbia County Deputies were reportedly shot while serving a Temporary Protective Order, Saturday afternoon, and multiple agencies have surrounded the suspect’s camper.

The incident happened near Exit 194 on Interstate 20 Westbound around 6:30 p.m.

Columbia County Investigators tell us that one deputy was killed, the other hospitalized after attempting to serve the suspect a Temporary Protective Order.

The suspect, now identified as James Blake Montgomery, was in a camper or RV. Law enforcement agents currently have the vehicle surrounded. Investigators have deployed drones to survey the area. It’s currently unconfirmed if Montgomery is dead or alive, inside the camper.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and Georgia State Patrol are on scene. Investigators advise that the public is no longer in danger.

GDOT advises that all lanes of I-20 will be closed in both directions until further notice near Exit 194 and Jimmie Dyess Parkway. A detour is being set up at Exit 190 and Horizon South Parkway for eastbound traffic. Drivers are encouraged to Call 511, visit 511ga.org, or download the Georgia 511 app.

NewsChannel 6’s Hannah McDonnell spoke with Montgomery’s brother-in-law, David Guillebeau, shortly after 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. And I don’t defend him because this is undependable and inexcusable. But the person I knew back then wouldn’t. This wasn’t him. So something has changed in him for him to do this. I just I would love for people to just remember that he has a child and he has a family that’s here locally. And I don’t. So do the officers as well. But we’re all hurting. And, yeah, it could. It could be. It could have been prevented. But unfortunately, it wasn’t. So there’s people on both ends that are hurting.”

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp shared on X,

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.

Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson stated, “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.”

The City of Barnwell Police Department released a statement, saying, “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.”

The Waynesboro Police Department also released a statement, reading, “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.”

The Burnettown Police Department stated, “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.”

The Wagener Police Department stated on Facebook, “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Columbia County Sheriffs Office tonight. We pray for healing for the deputy’s family and loved ones. We are also praying for the healing of the injured Deputy.”

Count on NewsChannel 6 for more details as they become available.