A Georgia traffic stop intended to serve a temporary protective order resulted in two officers being shot.
According to WSB-TV, two Columbia County deputies tried to pull over James Blake Montgomery on Saturday at approximately 6:30 p.m. Montgomery shot at the officers and drove away in his RV. One officer died, while the other was taken to the hospital.
The shooting occurred on Interstate 20 westbound near Exit 194, closing the interstate in both directions.
Law enforcement surrounded Montgomery’s vehicle and used drones to track him down. The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and Georgia State Patrol were among the agencies that responded to the incident.
Law enforcement officials have stated that Montgomery is no longer a threat to the public.
NewsChannel 6 spoke with Montgomery’s brother-in-law, David Guillebeau, shortly after the incident.
“This isn’t the Blake that I knew,” Guillebeau said.
A person familiar with Montgomery expressed shock at his actions, stating, “I haven’t talked to him in quite some time, but this isn’t the person I knew. I don’t defend him because this is indefensible and inexcusable. But the person I knew back then wouldn’t have done this. So something has changed in him for him to act this way.”
Guillebeau also reminded everyone that “there are people on both ends that are hurting.”
Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson expressed his sorrow, stating, “I am heartbroken and praying for the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and our neighbors in Columbia County. Our prayers are with the families of the fallen, the entire Sheriff’s Office, and all who are grieving this unimaginable loss. We honor their sacrifice and pray for the difficult days ahead.”
Several other law enforcement agencies extended their prayers and condolences for the officers involved.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office offered its condolences to the friends, family, and colleagues of the fallen deputy.
“The Barnwell Police Department is praying for the two Columbia County Sheriff’s deputies and their families,” the department stated.
“This evening, the hearts of the men and women at the Waynesboro Police Department are with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and the family of the deputy sheriff who was killed by gunfire, as well as the second deputy who was wounded while attempting to conduct a traffic stop on Interstate 20,” the Waynesboro Police Department said.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office tonight,” the Burnettown Police Department added.
“The Wagener Police Department extends its thoughts and prayers to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.”
The story is developing. Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Shutterstock]
