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.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.