Augusta, GA
1 deputy killed, 1 critically injured by man with bombs near Augusta, sheriff says
Suspect found with ‘bomb material’ shoots deputies
Columbia County Sheriff Whittle says suspected gunman James Blake Montgomery opened fire on two deputies after seeming to be okay during a traffic stop. He allegedly killed Deputy Brandon Sikes and critically injured Deputy Gavin White. He was later found dead with lots of weapons and pipe bombs, according to the sheriff’s office.
COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ga. – One deputy is dead and another is in critical condition after a traffic stop near Augusta led to a shooting. After digging into the suspect’s background, officials are learning there is a lot more to this tragedy.
What we know:
Officials say the driver of a motor home, later identified as James Blake Montgomery, was initially “cooperative” and “non-threatening” when he was first approached on I-20 near Exit 196 Saturday night.
The deputies who stopped him were there to inform him they were serving a temporary protective order for a domestic violence case with his wife, Columbia County Sheriff Clay Whittle explained during a news conference Sunday afternoon.
At first, it appeared Montgomery understood it was a simple stop and that he would be allowed to leave freely afterward. But, as the three officers walked back to their patrol car, Sheriff Whittle said Montgomery pulled out a 9mm AR Pistol that had been converted into a fully-automatic weapon. He opened fire, striking two of them.
One of those deputies, Brandon Sikes, was killed on site. Deputy Gavin White was shot in the face. Sheriff Whittle said White is alive, but left in critical condition.
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Deputy Brandon Sikes (Credit: Columbia County Sheriff’s Office)
Accused deputy killer leads standoff
Multiple agencies – including the U.S. Marshals Service, the Georgia State Patrol and two bomb squads – reported to the scene after Montgomery reportedly retreated to the motor home and led them into a standoff.
Residents were asked to avoid the area while they tried to get him to come out.
The responding officers used drones to scope out the scene. That’s when they thought they spotted bomb materials inside the vehicle. They later determined those items were pipe bombs and other paraphernalia – including one that was rigged with a remote switch. There were also a number of guns, “numerous magazines” and boxes of additional ammo.
The officers worked for hours to find a way to safely enter the motor home and disable the weapons.
During the confrontation, Montgomery attempted to drive away, but veered off the roadway into cable barriers. He was found dead inside.
Who is James Blake Montgomery?
Dig deeper:
There’s still not a lot known about Montgomery and what his intentions were with the weapons found in his vehicle.
Sheriff Whittle said he ran a steroid operation where he was selling illegal drugs. That operation may be connected to another set of suspicious items found in the motor home.
“We found some … jars – I don’t really know how to describe that other than to tell you they’re clear jars with pipes coming out of them. There’s some type of liquid in them, we do not know what that is at this time. We don’t know whether that may be some type of bomb-making material, or whether it may be some type of drug paraphernalia.”
James Blake Montgomery on Feb. 2, 2022 (Credit: Columbia County Sheriff’s Office)
He was also involved in a domestic violence case with his wife.
Local media reported that just two days before the shooting, Montgomery faced a judge who ordered him to turn over all his weapons to the sheriff’s office.
“There were rumors that he said he would not go down without a fight,” Whittle told reporters.
His body will undergo an autopsy at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Crime Lab.
Columbia County mourns deputy, prays for other’s speedy recovery
What’s next:
Deputy White has undergone surgery on his sinus and oral cavities. Whittle said White is communicative and in control of his limbs, but he likely has a long road of recovery ahead of him.
“I can assure you it’s going to be a tough road for him. But, he is very upbeat and incredibly strong, and we’re hoping that he comes back to full duty in record time,” Sheriff Whittle said.
Deputy Gavin White (Credit: Columbia County Sheriff’s Office)
“Unfortunately, we’re going to have to have a funeral for a very brave officer who has been with us since 2018,” Whittle said, while appearing to grow emotional. “He was one of our crime suppression officers. His name is Brandon Sikes. He is survived by his wife, Amber, who is also an employee here of the sheriff’s office. And it’s going to be a difficult time for the sheriff’s office, but we’re going to get through this. We just ask that everyone keeps us in their thoughts and prayers.”
On Monday, Deputy Sikes will undergo an autopsy.
Georgia officials respond to deadly deputy shooting
What they’re saying:
Gov. Brian Kemp
“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.
“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.”
Sen. Jon Ossoff
“I join all Georgians in grieving Columbia County Sheriff’s Deputy Brandon Sikes, whose life was taken this weekend serving our State in the line of duty, and I wish Sheriff’s Deputy Gavin White a full recovery from his injuries.
“My prayers are with Deputy Sikes’ and Deputy White’s families, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and all law enforcement personnel who keep our communities safe.”
Attorney General Chris Carr
“Our hearts break for those in Columbia County as we mourn the loss of a Sheriff’s Deputy & await updates on a second officer 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.
“We join in praying for the family of this fallen Deputy, his fellow officer, & all who served with him.”
The Source: The information provided was originally reported by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office. Gov. Brian Kemp’s response was posted on his X account at 8:19 p.m. on April 26, 2025.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – One of the CSRA’s longest-tenured and most accomplished high school girls basketball coaches has died.
Sunday evening, Lucy C. Laney High School released the following statement:
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the passing of our beloved Coach Smart. He has been a staple on the Blvd for years and will be remembered for generations to come. Our prayers are with his family, athletic community, students, and staff that have had the privilege of having had a connection to this great man over the years. We will post any updates as they are received regarding any services and remembrances that are shared with us.”
Smart spent more than four decades leading the Wildcats, building one of the most successful programs in Georgia high school basketball history.
Smart’s coaching career spanned more than 40 years at Laney, where he won multiple state championships and amassed more than 1,000 career victories.
Earlier this year, he became one of the few high school basketball coaches in Georgia to reach the 1,000-win milestone, a feat that reflected not only his longevity but also the sustained excellence of his program.
His success extended far beyond the win column. Throughout his career, Smart helped develop generations of student-athletes, many of whom credited him with teaching life lessons that extended well beyond basketball. Former players frequently described him as a mentor, role model and father figure whose impact reached classrooms, families and the Augusta community.
Back in February, News 12/26 spoke with several of Smart’s former players following his 1,000th career victory. Not one of them had anything negative to say about the coach who helped shape their lives.
“He is the face of women’s high school basketball in my eyes, and an incredible man and coach,” former Laney standout Destiny Brewton told News 12/26 in February. “His long-standing dedication and remarkable success over the years have left an indelible mark on the school and the community.”
Former player Morgan Lee said Smart taught his teams to value each other as family.
“He taught us how to work as a family. He taught us how to come together as one and treat each other with respect,” Lee said.
His influence also stretched across generations. Trina Lee, a 1984 Laney graduate and Morgan’s mother, marveled that Smart was still leading the Wildcats more than four decades after coaching her.
When News 12/26 last spoke with Smart about his milestone, he downplayed the significance of the number itself. Although his 1,000th official victory came via a forfeit, Smart chose to personally recognize the team’s win over Glenn Hills as the moment he truly reached the milestone, a reflection of the competitive spirit that defined his career.
For decades, Smart became synonymous with Laney girls basketball, transforming the Wildcats into a perennial state contender while earning the respect of opponents, coaches and former players throughout Georgia.
His legacy will be measured not only by championships and victories, but by the countless young women whose lives he helped shape.
Richmond County Schools released a statement his passing as well:
“Coach Smart was basketball coach, mentor, a guiding light, and a cornerstone of our community. For decades, Coach Smart didn’t just win games; he shaped futures. Coach Smart didn’t just represent Laney High School; he embodied it. Today, we don’t just mourn the loss of a coach; we say goodbye to “Mr. Laney” Coach Smart, thank you for showing us all what it truly means to be a champion in life. You will never be forgotten.”
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Newly obtained records show the Georgia Peace Officer Standards & Training Council moved to revoke the certifications of eight Richmond County school police officers tied to an online training cheating scandal.
It’s a case investigators described as involving shared answer keys, deleted group texts and a department culture where some officers said cheating had become routine.
POST opened the investigation around Sept. 3, 2024, after allegations that Richmond County Board of Education Police Department officers cheated on online training courses for which they received POST credit.
The two courses identified in the file were Introduction to Human Trafficking and De-escalation for Law Enforcement, administered online through Virtual Academy. The core allegation is that officers shared screenshots/test answers in a group text so others could complete required online training faster.
Our previous reporting showed the case had grown to nine officers, with Officer Tajuana Jones receiving 24 months of probation and being ordered to take an ethics and professionalism course, while the remaining cases were still open because the officers had requested hearings.
POST records appear to show the next step: for eight officers — Dorothy Holmon, Kara Anderson, Anthony Dubois, Brian Jackson, Wallace Lebrane, Kellie Holland, Jacquez Williams and Nathan Mercer — the POST Probable Cause Committee recommended revocation, and the full council accepted those recommendations in June 2026.
According to the file, the Board of Education hired a third party entity to investigate. That investigation found Sgt. Dorothy Holmon and Cpl. Kara Anderson shared test answers. Officers identified as being in the group text and receiving answers included Brian Jackson, Jacquez Williams, Anthony Dubois, Wallace Lebrane and Kellie Holland.
POST also noted a limitation: there were other phone numbers in the group text, but the group had been deleted or disbanded before POST started investigating, preventing investigators from identifying every number
They have 30 days to file a formal appeal. The process requires submitting a written request for a pre-hearing conference or administrative hearing, a notarized written response to the allegations, and a required administrative fee.
The school system said it couldn’t comment because this is an active personnel matter.
The officers
Dorothy Holmon
• POST paints Holmon as one of the central figures. She admitted taking screenshots of test questions and answers and sending them to subordinates in a group text, and she described what she called a “culture of cheating” going back to 2000. POST says she also encouraged subordinates to go ahead and take the tests after sending the answers. The PCC recommended revocation, and the Full Council accepted it
Kara Anderson
• Anderson also admitted supplying test answers to the group text and acknowledged she knew it was wrong. She told POST her motivation was to get mandatory training completed quickly because of staffing issues. The PCC recommended revocation, and the Full Council accepted it
Anthony Dubois
• Dubois admitted receiving the group text and using the information to check his answers before submitting his test. He also described a broader culture of cheating in the department. POST records say his test score matched Holmon’s and that he missed the same questions. PCC recommendation: revocation. Full Council: accepted
Jacquez Williams
• Williams admitted receiving answer-key screenshots from Holmon and Anderson and admitted using them to complete his Virtual Academy testing. He also admitted he did not report the cheating up the chain of command. PCC recommendation: revocation. Full Council: accepted
Wallace Lebrane
• Lebrane admitted receiving a text from Holmon containing test answers and acknowledged it with blue-heart emojis, according to POST. He denied using the answers, but POST noted his test results matched Holmon’s, including missed questions. PCC recommendation: revocation. Full Council: accepted
Brian Jackson
• Jackson admitted receiving a group text from Holmon containing test answers but said he did not use them and did not take the tests at issue. POST’s concern appears to be that he did not report the message, despite being a supervisor. PCC recommendation: revocation. Full Council: accepted
Kellie Holland
• Holland admitted receiving a group text from Holmon but said the image was blurry and that she did not report it. POST records also say she admitted receiving answers for required Board of Education “GCN” testing from teachers. PCC recommendation: revocation. Full Council: accepted
Nathan Mercer
• Mercer’s case is different from the group-text cases. The file focuses on statements about whether Holmon was going to help him with a test tied to University of Georgia football special-duty work, and whether his account conflicted with statements from other officers. PCC recommendation: revocation. Full Council: accepted
Tajuana Jones
• Jones was covered in a March story. POST records at that time showed she received 24 months of probation, had to complete an ethics and professionalism course, and was accused of receiving answers but not reporting the misconduct.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The South Augusta YMCA will not renew its lease at the Tobacco Road location, the Y confirmed.
The shopping center is being sold, and the current lease ends in October.
The Y has not announced a final day at the current location. Officials said they plan to announce that date and next steps for South Augusta later this month.
The YMCA said it still plans to serve South Augusta after the lease expires.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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