A Columbia County deputy was killed in the line of duty and another wounded Saturday afternoon on Interstate 20 during an attempted traffic stop.
Suspect James Blake Montgomery, 38, was being hunted by several law enforcement agencies who responded to the interstate to help in the manhunt, near the Belair Road exit, sheriff’s Maj. Steve Morris said. At 9:19 p.m. Saturday, they said the suspect was “no longer a threat.”
The injured deputy has been identified as Gavin White. The identity of the deputy killed has not been released.
Portions of the interstate were closed with traffic backed up for miles, with witnesses posting dramatic photos and video of officers with guns.
Montgomery was being sought for a temporary restraining order filed by his wife as she seeks a divorce. His motorhome vehicle was seen on the interstate, and officers attempted the traffic stop before Montgomery allegedly stepped out and began shooting with an assault-style rifle.
The names of the officers involved were not released, with one confirmed in the hospital.
The suspect was convicted in 2022 of aggravated assault and given First Offender Status with a slap on the wrist. It stemmed from an incident on Sept. 16, 2021, at a McDonald’s in Evans.
In that case, a man told authorities that he was assaulted by Montgomery after a verbal dispute in the drive-thru escalated. It resulted in Montgomery striking the victim’s vehicle with a trailer and later hitting the man with his truck, causing minor injuries. Montgomery fled the scene but returned over an hour later without the trailer.
Montgomery is diagnosed with bi-polar paranoid schizophrenia.
Authorities from Burke and Richmond counties were assisting in Saturday’s manhunt.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp released this statement on Saturday night:
“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.“
Columbia County Chairman Doug Duncan posted on X (formerly known as Twitter): “Never take for granted the price those who protect us pay! Today is a very dark day in Columbia County.”
Columbia County District 2 Commissioner Trey Allen posted on Facebook: “Please keep all of the CCSO and their families in your prayers tonight. This is a devastating tragedy.”
According to the Georgia Department of Transportation – East, all lanes of I-20 will be closed in both directions until further notice around exit 194/Jimmie Dyes Parkway due to police activity.
DOT is setting up a detour at exit 190/Horizon South Parkway for eastbound traffic. For up-to-date traffic information, call 511, visit 511ga.org, or download the Georgia 511 app.
Check back here for developments…
