News Summary
A large neighborhood block party is set for May 10 in Augusta, honoring fallen Deputy Brandon Sikes and supporting Deputy Gavin White. The event includes activities, food trucks, and a silent auction to raise funds for affected families. Admission is free and open to all.
Augusta – A large neighborhood block party is scheduled for Saturday, May 10, to celebrate local law enforcement and raise funds for the families affected by the recent tragedy involving Deputy Brandon Sikes and Deputy Gavin White in Columbia County. This event, organized by residents Bethanny Troia, Corey Lichtenberg, Bo Chavous, and Phillip Jacobs, in partnership with Augusta Christian Schools, aims to foster community support for law enforcement while generating financial assistance for those impacted by the incident.
Deputy Brandon Sikes was tragically killed in the line of duty on April 26, while he and Deputy Gavin White were attempting to serve a domestic violence temporary restraining order to James Blake Montgomery on I-20. During this confrontation, Montgomery opened fire with a converted 9 mm AR pistol, resulting in the serious injury of Deputy White and the death of Deputy Sikes. Montgomery had previously been under a court order to surrender all weapons but failed to comply, contributing to the violent outcome of the situation.
The community block party will be held outdoors at the Augusta Christian campus from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission to the event is free, making it accessible to all members of the community. Attendees can expect a fun-filled day with a variety of activities, including food trucks and a car and truck show, for which participants can compete for trophies provided by Blue Ribbon Awards and Apparel by donating $10.
Additionally, there will be a silent auction featuring donations from several local businesses such as Recteq, Putt Putt Golf and Games, and Hickock Tools. A standout prize in this auction will be two tickets to this year’s “Guitar Pull,” ensuring that the event holds appeal for a wide audience. For children, there will be activities such as a bouncy house and Vortex Foam, where children will need to bring their own towels for participation.
Since the announcement of the block party, an invitation on Facebook gained significant traction, going viral and prompting widespread sharing across the platform. This reflects the community’s deep commitment to supporting their law enforcement personnel during this challenging time. Organizers have emphasized the importance of this support, as many residents recognize law enforcement’s positive impact on their lives.
The circumstances surrounding Deputy Sikes’ death and Deputy White’s injuries have deeply affected the community. Following the shooting, Montgomery’s history revealed a troubling pattern, including a previous aggravated assault charge from May 2022. After law enforcement responded to the incident, investigators discovered explosives and drug paraphernalia in Montgomery’s RV, where his body was subsequently found. The shooting prompted a significant response from multiple law enforcement agencies, with scenes around I-20 remaining active for several hours as authorities managed the incident.
Deputy White is currently in recovery after sustaining critical injuries in the shooting, and the community’s efforts during the block party seek to not only honor the memory of Deputy Sikes but also support White as he navigates his healing journey.
The block party promises to serve as a heartfelt gesture of gratitude and support for all law enforcement personnel while underscoring the community’s resilience and dedication to standing together in tough times.
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Additional Resources
- The Augusta Press
- WRDW News
- WJBF News
- Augusta Chronicle
- WNEP News
- Wikipedia: Columbia County, Georgia
- Google Search: Columbia County Sheriff Department
- Google Scholar: Police Shooting Columbia County
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police
- Google News: Columbia County Shooting
