A deputy from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) was shot dead, and another deputy was shot dead after a traffic stop Saturday afternoon in Evans, Georgia.
CCSO Major Steve Morris told Fox News Digital that two deputies were shot and one died, but they have yet to disclose the names of the lawmakers involved.
Morris said the suspect was identified as James Blake Montgomery.
No arrests were made at 9:30pm, but Morris said Fox News Digital Montgomery was “no longer a threat.”
The Georgia State Patrol (GSP) has been helping FOX News Digital Troopers block the road off, and said some troopers were on the scene as of 9:30pm
Montgomery was charged with aggravated felony assault in December 2022, according to Columbia County Court records. Records show that he was later exonerated.
Evans, Georgia, is located about 10 miles northwest of Augusta. It is home to Augusta National Golf Club and the annual Masters Tournament.
Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson shared his pathos in a Facebook post on Saturday night.
“I am heartbroken and prayed for the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and for the Columbia County neighbors,” Johnson wrote. “Our prayers lie in our fallen families, the entire sheriff’s office, and all those who are grieving this unimaginable loss. We respect their sacrifices and pray for the difficult days that come.”
Georgia Attorney General Chris Kerr shared the X. He is still waiting for updates on the second deputy lieutenant injured in his duties.
“Anyone willing to wear uniforms every day at an unsafe job deserves our unwavering support and continued appreciation, along with anyone waiting to get home at the end of their shift,” Kerr wrote in the post. “We will be taking part in praying for this fallen agent, his fellow officers, and the families of all those who served with him.”
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office reportedly also on the scene, but did not respond immediately to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
According to Georgia State Patrol, CCSO is currently the leading research agency.
