1 deputy killed, 1 injured in shooting during traffic stop in east Georgia

Two Columbia County deputies were shot during a traffic stop on Saturday, one of whom died, according to law authorities.

Around 6:30 p.m., an incident occurred near Interstate 20's Exit 194.

The Columbia County Sheriff's Office verified the event on Saturday evening.

The suspect, now known as James Blake Montgomery, departed in a trailer or RV. Law police personnel are presently surrounding the car. Investigators have used drones to survey the region.

Authorities claimed incident happened during a traffic check, possibly at the Jimmie Dyess/Belair Road exit.

All across the area, road blocks have been set up.

A law enforcement aircraft was hovering in the air over the crossroads of Belair and I-20, where the activity was concentrated.

Officers are preventing traffic from entering westbound I-20 from I-520, and they are not even allowing vehicles to enter Bobby Jones Expressway toward Washington Road, a key artery.

Traffic was permitted on eastbound I-20 from I-520.

Governor Brian Kemp tweeted on the shooting:

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. 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.

Waynesboro Police also reacted: 

This evening the hearts of the men and women at the Waynesboro Police Department are with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and the family of the deputy sheriff who was killed by gunfire, as well as the second deputy who was wounded today while attempting to conduct a traffic stop on Interstate 20. 

Please keep these deputies’ families, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and the community in your prayers.