A Columbia County sheriff’s deputy killed Saturday evening after a traffic stop near Augusta escalated into a deadly shootout and standoff has been identified as Deputy Bran Sikes.
Deputies Brandon Sikes and Gavin White were attempting to serve a judge’s order to turn over all weapons when they stopped a motor home driven by James Blake Montgomery on Interstate 20 around 6:30 p.m., according to Columbia County Sheriff Clay Whittle. Initially, Montgomery appeared cooperative, but as the deputies turned away, he opened fire with a fully automatic 9mm AR pistol, striking both officers.
Deputy Sikes, a crime suppression officer with the department since 2018, was pronounced dead at the scene. He is survived by his wife, Amber, who is also employed by the sheriff’s office. Deputy White was shot in the face and remains in critical condition after undergoing surgery to repair damage to his sinus and oral cavities. Sheriff Whittle said White is communicative and has control of his limbs, but faces a long recovery.
After the shooting, Montgomery barricaded himself inside the RV, prompting a standoff involving local, state, and federal agencies. Drones and robots were used to assess the situation, revealing multiple pipe bombs, bomb-making materials, firearms, and ammunition inside the vehicle. Authorities also found jars of unidentified liquids, possibly linked to Montgomery’s alleged illegal steroid operation. Montgomery was later found dead inside the RV after it crashed into a median; the cause of his death is under investigation.
Governor Brian Kemp and other officials expressed condolences to the families and colleagues of the fallen and injured deputies, emphasizing the risks faced by law enforcement officers daily.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is conducting autopsies and continuing the investigation.
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