Columbia County shooting: Georgia sheriff's deputy shot and killed, another hurt; James Blake Montgomery ID'd as suspect
Share and Follow

EVANS, Ga. — Two Georgia deputies were shot during a traffic stop Saturday evening and one of them is dead, law enforcement officials said.

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the deputy’s death around 6:30 p.m. and said the other deputy was taken to a hospital, WRDW-TV reported.

The suspect was identified as James Blake Montgomery, who was believed to have been in a camper near Mile Marker 194 off Belair Road, Columbia County deputies told WRDW.

Helicopters and drones were in the air as part of the effort to capture Montgomery, the deputies said.

Communication over police radio told officers to take a photo of the suspect “in the trailer.” The focus was the Arrowood Mobile Home Community off Wrightsboro Road, WRDW reported.

Gov. Brian Kemp issued a statement on X about the shooting.

“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,” Kemp said. “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.”

Copyright © 2025 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Iran's top prosecutor criticizes Trump's announcement that 800+ executions were halted: 'Completely false'

Iranian Prosecutor Rebukes Trump’s Claim of Halting 800+ Executions as ‘Completely False

On Friday, Iran’s chief prosecutor refuted a claim by former President Donald…
Senate Democrats vow to block DHS funding bill after Minnesota shooting, raising partial shutdown risk

Senate Showdown: Democrats Threaten DHS Funding Block Over Minnesota Shooting, Heightening Shutdown Stakes

The recent events in Minnesota have drawn significant attention, with Senate Democratic…
Brooklyn Beckham's ex Afton McKeith claims he's 'telling the truth'

Afton McKeith Speaks Out: Brooklyn Beckham’s Ex Supports His Side of the Story

Brooklyn Beckham’s former girlfriend, Afton McKeith, has asserted that his recent controversial…
NYC homeless living high life under Mayor Mamdani's new policies

NYC Homeless Find New Support as Mayor Mamdani Implements Progressive Policies

Mayor Zohran Mamdani has introduced a novel benefit for the homeless: a…
Trump slams UK island handoff deal that could put key US military base at risk

Trump Criticizes UK Island Transfer Deal: Potential Threat to Strategic US Military Base

In a surprising move on Tuesday, former President Donald Trump reversed his…
ISIS fighters still at large after Syrian prison break, contributing to volatile security situation

Escaped ISIS Prisoners Fuel Tensions in Syria’s Shaky Security Landscape

US troops remain in Syrian region to counter ISIS Fox News’ chief…
EDS NOTE: OBSCENITY - Armed community response members patrol near the scene where 37-year-old Alex Pretti was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol officer earlier in the day, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Adam Gray)

Minneapolis Shooting Sparks Political Divide as Leaders Interpret Disturbing Videos Differently

On Saturday, videos rapidly circulated showing the tragic shooting of a protester…
Police widows group to give scholarship to kids of fallen NYPD officer

Police Widows’ Organization Offers Scholarships to Support Children of Fallen NYPD Officers

Alex Maddox once believed her high school romance would last a lifetime,…