Crime
Columbia County deputy Brandon Sikes killed, another injured While Serving Protective Order
Both deputies were engaged in the service of the protective order to the suspect, later identified as James Blake Montgomery.
On Saturday, April 26, 2025, two Columbia County Sheriff’s Deputies were shot while attempting to serve a Temporary Protective Order.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:24 p.m. near Exit 194 on the westbound side of Interstate 20.
According to Columbia County investigators, Deputy Brandon Sikes was fatally shot during the encounter, while Deputy Gavin White sustained a gunshot wound to the face.
Both deputies were engaged in the service of the protective order to the suspect, later identified as James Blake Montgomery.
Following the shooting, Montgomery attempted to flee the scene in a recreational vehicle (RV).
His escape was halted when the RV was ensnared by a cable barrier on I-20. Law enforcement personnel from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, and Georgia State Patrol responded swiftly to the scene.
Columbia County Sheriff Clay Whittle confirmed on Sunday morning that Montgomery was found deceased inside the RV.
A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered a cache of dangerous items, including pipe bombs, bomb-making materials, multiple firearms, a large quantity of ammunition, and several jars containing unidentified liquids.
Investigators also revealed that Montgomery was allegedly involved in the illegal sale of steroids.
Deputy White remains in critical condition but has been able to communicate with medical staff. Sheriff Whittle acknowledged that White faces a long and challenging recovery ahead.
Deputy Brandon Sikes is survived by his wife, Amber Sikes, who is also a member of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.
Due to the severity of the incident and ongoing investigations, Interstate 20 near Exit 194 was closed in both directions for over nine hours.
According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, the highway was reopened to traffic shortly before 4:30 a.m. on Sunday.
City of Hammond, Louisiana — At approximately 11:50 p.m. on February 24, 2026, officers with the Hammond Police Department responded to a report of shots fired involving one possible victim.
Upon arrival, officers located a 14-year-old juvenile female, identified as Tyronai Reed, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
Emergency medical assistance was rendered at the scene, and she was transported to North Oaks Health System for treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Reed later succumbed to her injuries.
Detectives assigned to the department’s Criminal Investigations Division launched an immediate homicide investigation.
During the course of their investigation, authorities identified 18-year-old Demontez Treyvon “Trey” Robinson of Hammond as a suspect in the shooting.
While actively working the case, officers observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and conducted a traffic stop.
Robinson was identified as the driver of the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident.
Robinson was transported to the Criminal Investigations Division for questioning. According to investigators, Robinson admitted that the firearm discharged while he was handling or “playing with” it, resulting in the single round striking the 14-year-old victim.
Robinson was subsequently booked into the Hammond City Jail on one count of Negligent Homicide.
Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains in its early stages and additional details may be released as they become available.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Corey Morse with the Hammond Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 985-277-5758 or via email at morse_cm@hammond.org. Tips may also be submitted through the department’s official Facebook page or anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245.
Individuals providing information may be eligible for a cash reward. Authorities urge members of the community to assist in the ongoing investigation.