What we know about deputies who were shot in I-20 clash

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - State training records are giving us a clearer picture of the two Columbia County deputies who were shot over the weekend,

An encounter Saturday evening with an RV driver claimed the life of Deputy Brandon Sikes and seriously injured Deputy Gavin White.

The deputies pulled over James Blake Montgomery to serve him with a temporary protective order, and he opened fire. Montgomery ultimately died inside the RV, which was full of pipe bombs, explosives paraphernalia and ammunition.

Sikes had been a Columbia County deputy since Nov. 21, 2018, according to the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council.

Sheriff Clay Whittle said Sikes worked on the crime suppression unit and leaves behind a widow, Amber, who also works for Whittle’s agency.

Sikes had received extensive training each year since he was hired, including several hours this year, according to POST.

The subjects this year have included de-escalation techniques and use of deadly force – although authorities said Montgomery initially appeared to be cooperative and only opened fire after they turned to walk away.

Other possibly relevant training included responding to mental illness, community policing and a range of other subjects in the 24 to 68 hours of training he got in most years.

Since May 2023, he’d also been part of the rotation of deputies dedicated to protecting Augusta Preparatory Day School, the school said on Facebook.

“Deputy Sikes exemplified the dedication and care that makes a difference in the lives of those he served,” Head of School Eric Hedinger said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office during this difficult time.”

Here’s the POST training record for Sikes:

While Sikes had been with the agency for several years, White is a relatively new deputy.

His training records show he just graduated from his basic law enforcement training on Nov. 15, 2024, which is when he rose from the title of cadet to deputy.

He’s also received 65 hours of additional training so far in 2025 on topics ranging from de-escalation and use of deadly force to drone operation.

He’s continuing to recover and improve in the hospital with his fiancée, Hayley Sward, by his side, according to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office. Whittle says he’s being very upbeat, communicating and retains the use of his hands and feet.

See White’s POST training record:

Also involved in the encounter was Deputy Andrew Brown, who wasn’t shot but returned fire at Montgomery and then dragged White to safety and drove him to a hospital.

Brown started with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office in 2021 as a jailer and within months became a deputy. In 2023 and 2024, he received training in tactical and SWAT team training.

Here’s Brown’s training record:

Also returning fire at Montgomery was Deputy Jared Mason, who was apparently nearby. He’s been with the agency since 2020 but has been a Georgia law enforcement officer as far back as 2011.

Here’s his training document:

Whittle has praised Brown and Mason, who he said likely killed Montgomery when they fired on him, although an autopsy will determine how Montgomery died.

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