Georgia sheriff's deputy killed, another injured during traffic stop

Two Columbia County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) deputies were shot and one of them 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 of them has died, but they have not yet released the names of the deputies involved. The wounded deputy is listed in critical condition.

Morris said the suspect has been identified as James Blake Montgomery, who was believed to have been in a camper near Mile Marker 194 off Belair Road.

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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.

Helicopters and drones were in the air as part of efforts to catch Montgomery, WRDW reported.

Communication over police radio told officers to take a photo of the suspect "in the trailer." Law enforcement focused on the Arrowood Mobile Home Community off Wrightsboro Road, according to the outlet.

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

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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."

Gov. Brian Kemp issued a statement on X saying that he is praying for the deputies' loved ones.

"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," Kemp said. "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."

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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.