Evans, GA – Entered into rest on Saturday, April 26, 2025, Deputy Brandon Ray Sikes, 31, loving husband of Amber Sikes and father of Lyndsey Sikes. Deputy Sikes, a proud native of Augusta and a devoted member of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, passed away in the line of duty, leaving behind a legacy of service, humility, and unwavering dedication.

From the beginning of his career, Deputy Sikes was driven by a heartfelt mission: to make his community a safer place for his beloved wife and daughter. His work within the Special Operations Division was marked by meticulous care, steadfast commitment, and a quiet strength that resonated with all who served alongside him.

Before his law enforcement career, Deputy Sikes honorably served his country as a United States Army combat medic. His experiences shaped his deep compassion, sense of duty, and readiness to stand in harm’s way for others — traits that continued to define his life and service.

In his rare moments of rest, Deputy Sikes found peace in the outdoors, especially enjoying the calm and challenge of fishing. Friends and colleagues knew him as a genuine, methodical professional who never sought recognition but consistently rose to every occasion with courage and grace. His selflessness was not a trait he wore for show; it was the quiet force that moved him to serve at every opportunity, regardless of the personal cost.

Deputy Sikes embodied the very best of community service and personal sacrifice. Though he never sought the spotlight, his impact on those around him will be felt for generations. His memory will live on — in the community he made safer, in the lives he touched, and in the family and friends who will forever be proud of the man he was.

In addition to his wife and daughter, Deputy Sikes is survived by his parents: Donald Sikes and Sieglinde DeChant; brothers Thomas DeChant (Letitia),Gunter Neubach, and Frank Kruse; nieces and nephew; Doriana Serrano (Sean), Selena Fereday (Grant) and son Truitt, Lisa Serrano, Braden DeChant (Marissa), Gabrielle DeChant; childhood friend Robert Price; canine companions: Bella and Phoebe; and other loving family members.

The funeral service will be held Monday, May 5, 2025 at 12 Noon at the Columbia County Performing Arts Center with Rev. John Kenney officiating.Memorial contributions may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484.

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.

SIMILAR NEWS: Fulton County deputy shot in downtown Atlanta drive-by; shooter on the run

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.”

One Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputy was shot and another is dead following a traffic stop shooting on Saturday afternoon in Evans, Georgia.

CCSO Maj. Steve Morris told Fox News Digital two deputies were shot and one has died, but they have not yet released the names of the deputies involved.

Morris said the suspect has been identified as James Blake Montgomery.

No arrests had been made as of 9:30 p.m., but Morris told Fox News Digital Montgomery is “no longer a threat.”

Georgia State Patrol (GSP) told Fox News Digital troopers were assisting with blocking off roads and some troopers were at the scene, as of 9:30 p.m.

Montgomery was charged in December 2022 with felony aggravated assault, according to Columbia County court records. Records indicate he was later exonerated.

Evans, Georgia is about 10 miles northwest of Augusta — home to the Augusta National Golf Club and the annual Masters Tournament.

Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson posted to Facebook Saturday night to share his condolences.

“Heartbroken and praying for the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and our neighbors in Columbia County,” Johnson wrote. “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.”

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr shared on X 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 the post. “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, also reportedly at the scene, did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

CCSO is currently the lead investigative agency, according to the Georgia State Patrol.