A Columbia County sheriff’s deputy is dead and another fighting for life after a traffic stop turned violent Saturday afternoon in Evans, Georgia. Authorities have identified the suspect but, as of late Saturday night, no arrests had been made.
The Sheriff’s Office says the suspected gunman, James Blake Montgomery, was found near a camper close to Belair Road but is no longer considered a threat. Questions now loom large over how a routine stop exploded into deadly chaos.
A Deadly Encounter in Evans Leaves a Community in Shock
The quiet Saturday afternoon was shattered by gunfire, leaving two deputies bleeding on the ground. Major Steve Morris of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office told reporters that one deputy died from his wounds, while the other remains in critical condition at a local hospital.
The names of the deputies have not been made public yet. Authorities say they want to first notify all family members before releasing identities.
It’s not clear yet why Montgomery opened fire. Witnesses nearby described hearing “multiple pops” before seeing a heavy police presence swarm the area.
In just a few minutes, Evans—a suburban pocket where serious crime is rare—became the scene of a full-blown manhunt.
Suspect Identified, But No Arrests Yet
James Blake Montgomery, the man investigators say is responsible, was located hours after the shooting near Mile Marker 194, holed up inside a camper.
Despite that, Columbia County officials confirmed no official arrest had been made as of 9:30 p.m. Saturday night. Montgomery, however, was no longer “a threat to the community,” Major Morris emphasized.
Georgia State Patrol officers were seen blocking roadways and setting up perimeters in the surrounding areas. Helicopters buzzed overhead while K-9 units combed the woods.
In a brief, tense statement, Morris said, “The suspect has been identified and located. There is no danger to the public at this time.”
How a Traffic Stop Turned Deadly
Exactly how the traffic stop spiraled out of control is still murky. Law enforcement officials have kept a tight lid on many details.
According to early reports:
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The traffic stop began around 3:30 p.m. on Saturday along a busy stretch near Belair Road.
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Both deputies approached the vehicle Montgomery was in.
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Gunfire erupted almost immediately, striking both officers.
Emergency radio chatter captured in the aftermath paints a picture of sheer panic. “Officer down! Officer down!” one voice shouted, as sirens began wailing in the background.
For longtime Columbia County residents, the news is jarring. “This just doesn’t happen here,” one local said, standing behind yellow tape. “We’re heartbroken.”
Columbia County Mourns One of Their Own
As night fell on Evans, grief settled over the community like a heavy blanket. Flags flew at half-staff. A makeshift memorial of flowers and candles appeared outside the sheriff’s office within hours.
County officials promised a full investigation. Sheriff Clay Whittle, his voice thick with emotion, said during a late-night briefing, “We lost one of our finest today.”
Support began pouring in from across Georgia and beyond. Dozens of law enforcement agencies offered condolences on social media, posting thin blue line flags and heartfelt messages.
A moment of silence was observed during Saturday night church services across the county. Many locals didn’t even know the deputy personally but said the loss felt deeply personal.
A Growing Pattern of Violence Against Law Enforcement
Sadly, incidents like this are becoming more common across the United States. According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 2024 saw a 14% rise in officers shot during traffic stops compared to the previous year.
Here’s a snapshot based on recent data:
| Year | Officers Shot During Traffic Stops | Officers Killed |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 41 | 12 |
| 2023 | 47 | 15 |
| 2024 | 53 | 17 |
Experts say several factors are fueling the trend—an increase in illegal firearms, escalating confrontations, and rising distrust between citizens and law enforcement.
“It’s an alarming situation,” said John Bostwick, a retired Georgia sheriff. “These are supposed to be routine, but nothing feels routine anymore.”
What Happens Next in the Investigation
By early Sunday morning, Columbia County officials were already mapping out the next steps.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has been called in to take over the case, which is standard procedure when officer-involved shootings happen in the state.
Key tasks ahead include:
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Conducting forensic analysis on the camper where Montgomery was found
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Reviewing dashcam and bodycam footage from the traffic stop
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Interviewing all eyewitnesses who were nearby during the incident
Meanwhile, authorities are pleading for patience from the public. “There’s a lot we can’t say yet because this is still very active,” Morris noted.
People here are rattled. Tired faces filled emergency rooms and parking lots. And everywhere, the same whispered question hung heavy in the air—how did it all go so wrong, so fast?
