One Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputy was shot and killed during a traffic stop Saturday afternoon in 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 yet been released.
Morris stated that the suspect has been identified as James Blake Montgomery.
There had been no arrests as of 9:30 p.m., but Morris told Fox News Digital Montgomery is “no longer a threat.”
As of 9:30 p.m., the Georgia State Patrol (GSP) reported that digital troopers were assisting with road closures, and some troopers were present.
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 via Facebook on Saturday night.
“Heartbroken and praying for the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and our neighbors in Columbia County,” Johnson wrote on Facebook. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen, the entire Sheriff’s Office, and everyone who is grieving this unimaginable loss. We respect their sacrifice and pray for the difficult times ahead.”
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr stated on X that he is still waiting for updates on the second deputy injured 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 wrote in a subsequent tweet. “We join in praying for the family of this fallen Deputy, his fellow officer, & all who served with him.”
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, which was also reportedly 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 lead investigative agency.
