On Saturday afternoon, two Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputies were shot, one of whom died, during a traffic stop near Evans, Georgia.
CCSO Maj. Steve Morris told Fox News Digital that two deputies were shot and one died, but the names of the deputies have not to be revealed. The wounded deputy is in critical condition.
Morris identified the suspect as James Blake Montgomery, who was believed to be in a camper near Mile Marker 194 along Belair Road.
There had been no arrests as of 9:30 p.m., but Morris told Fox News Digital Montgomery is “no longer a threat.”
The Georgia State Patrol (GSP) confirmed Fox News that digital troopers were assisting with road closures, and some troopers were on the scene.
According to WRDW, helicopters and drones were in the air as part of the search for Montgomery.
Officers were instructed via police radio to photograph the suspect “in the trailer.” According to the publication, law police was particularly interested in the Arrowood Mobile Home Community off Wrightsboro Road.
Montgomery was charged in December 2022 with felony aggravated assault, according to Columbia County court records. Records show that he was later exonerated.
Evans, Georgia, is located about 10 miles northwest of Augusta, which is home to the Augusta National Golf Club and the annual Masters Tournament.
Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson expressed his condolences on Facebook on Saturday night.
“Heartbroken and praying for the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and our neighbors in Columbia County,” Johnson posted on Facebook. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the slain, the entire Sheriff’s Office, and everyone who is grieving this unthinkable loss. We respect their sacrifice and hope for the challenging times ahead.”
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr stated on X that he is still waiting for updates on the second deputy hurt 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 & continued appreciation,” Carr added in a subsequent tweet. “We join in praying for the family of this fallen Deputy, his fellow officer, & all who served with him.”
Gov. Brian Kemp published a statement on X, stating he is praying for the deputies’ families.
“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,” according to Kemp. “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.”
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, which was also apparently present at the scene, did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
The Georgia State Patrol reports that the CCSO is currently the principal investigation agency.