Deputy Shot and Killed in Columbia County as Man Ignored Protective Order and Opened Fire

• Share on:

James Blake Montgomery, who was ordered to surrender his weapons due to a protective order filed by his estranged wife, allegedly shot two Columbia County deputies during a traffic stop, killing Deputy Brandon Sikes and critically injuring Deputy Gavin White. The protective order outlined previous threats Montgomery made against his wife, including arson, and warned of his access to firearms. Following the incident, Montgomery was found dead in his motor home, which contained explosives and evidence of illegal steroid sales, while the sheriff's office mourned the loss of Sikes and requested prayers for White's recovery.