Latest news with #ColumbiaCountySheriff'sOffice
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Charges announced for teen accused of planning mass shooting at Washington mall
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The charges faced by a were released by the Columbia County Sheriff's Office on Friday. The Columbia County teen, whose name remains unreleased to the public, faces four felony charges of second-degree attempted murder, attempted first-degree assault, and two counts of unlawful use of a weapon. Oregon lawmakers hold hearing on Medicaid cuts under Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' He also faces misdemeanor charges of tampering with physical evidence, second-degree disorderly conduct, and two counts of unlawful firearm possession. On Thursday, FBI Portland announced the teen had planned to use a chlorine bomb to cause panic and then shoot patrons at the Three Rivers Mall in Kelso, Wash. before he planned to kill himself. The FBI received a tip about the plan on May 19 and identified the teen the following day. He was put under surveillance on May 20 and arrested on May 22. According to authorities, the suspect had been making 'very detailed plans' since early 2025 which included a route to the mall, a map the shooter would follow, a planned wardrobe with weapons, and annotated schematics for the improvised bomb. 'Immediate threat to public safety': Longview cracks down on unsanctioned camping 'While the threat was real, coordinated law enforcement efforts ensured that it was addressed quickly and effectively, protecting the public from harm,' said Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley. The suspect had reportedly pledged allegiance to multiple 'online nihilistic extremist groups and ideologies.' Law enforcement encourages families to monitor their children's online activity and to report any concerning behavior. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
FBI thwarts teen's alleged 'serious' mall attack plot involving explosives, gunfire
The FBI and law enforcement officials in Columbia County, Oregon, arrested a teenager late last month who was allegedly planning to carry out a mass shooting involving explosives at a Washington state shopping mall. In a news release Thursday, the FBI said the teen, whose name was not released, was arrested May 22 by deputies with the Columbia County Sheriff's Office. The FBI learned of "detailed and imminent" attack plans after they were reported to the agency just two days before the juvenile's arrest. After learning about the alleged planned attack, the FBI said it began working with its partners to identify the mastermind behind the threat. On May 20, the Columbia County teenager was identified as a suspect. Ohio Man Arrested After Investigators Discover Ied, Videos, Photos Of Bomb-making Materials According to the FBI, the teenager shared nihilistic violent extremist ideology, as well as the plans, in online chats. Read On The Fox News App The teenager was placed under court-authorized surveillance out of caution for the public, and, on May 22, a federal search warrant was executed, leading to the teen's arrest. The FBI said the suspect demonstrated the intention and means to carry out a plan that included details like the map of the Three Rivers Mall in Kelso, located more than two hours south of Seattle, and a route to follow. Pair Of Texas Teenagers Threatened To Place Pipe Bombs In High School And Open Fire: Police The plan allegedly involved the suspect using an improvised explosive device known as a chlorine bomb to incite panic before shooting mall patrons as they exited the movie theater and, ultimately, committing suicide at a pre-determined location at the mall, the FBI said. The investigation determined the suspect seemed intent on following through with the plan. Transgender Indiana Student Planned 'Parkland Part Two' High School Shooting: Docs "This plot was as serious as it gets," FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson said. "We, along with our partners, moved swiftly to interrupt this violent plan and to protect our community." While the FBI made initial contact with the teenager, the local sheriff's office made the arrest on state charges. The Columbia County District Attorney's office is prosecuting the case. The FBI said it encourages the public to report suspicious behavior to law enforcement, adding that parents are also encouraged to engage in open dialog with their children about their online article source: FBI thwarts teen's alleged 'serious' mall attack plot involving explosives, gunfire
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
Postponed Columbia County Unity Fundraiser to happen Saturday at new location
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Postponed from its original date due to the threat of severe weather, the Columbia County Unity Fundraiser to benefit the families of Columbia County Sheriff's Office Deputy Brandon Sikes and Deputy Gavin White will be held this Saturday. The event will be held at the Augusta Elks Lodge located at 205 Elkdom Court a few blocks from Westside High School. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. Food trucks and vendors will be present, as well as other activities, including a bounce house with a 60-foot obstacle course, a foam party, a visit from a favorite Disney princess, and tons of unique and antique vehicles, with a vehicle contest. Entry into the car show is $10 per vehicle entry. There will also be a silent auction with a RecTeq Grill, spa packages, a 12-foot utility trailer, Dewalt tool set, Guitar Pull tickets, gift cards, gift baskets and more. All proceeds go to benefit the families of the deputies involved in the deadly shooting that claimed the life of one Columbia County deputy on Saturday, April 26th, and severely wounded another. Columbia County Sheriff's Office Deputy Brandon Sikes was killed in the line of duty Saturday, April 26th, and another, Columbia County Sheriff's Office Deputy Gavin White, was critically wounded when a suspect opened fire on the two deputies along I-20 near Exit 194 at Belair Road. It happened while three Columbia County Sheriff's Deputies, which included Deputies Sikes and White, were serving a Temporary Protective Order to Montgomery during a traffic stop. The suspect, James Blake Montgomery, allegedly opened fire on the three deputies with a 9mm AR Pistol after they turned to walk to their vehicles. The other on-scene deputy has not received much attention, but he is credited with saving Deputy White's life. Columbia County Sheriff`s Office Deputy Gavin White was critically wounded when the suspect opened fire on him and the other on-scene deputies. Deputy Andrew Brown, when he noticed that White had been shot and was not dead, dragged him past several law enforcement vehicles while still under fire from the suspect and got Deputy White into one of the county vehicles where Deputy Brown drove him through the gunfire in an effort to get him to a hospital. According to Columbia County Sheriff's Office, Deputy White was released from the hospital Thursday, May 1st, and was returned home where he continued his recovery. Deputy Sikes was laid to rest Monday, May 6th, following a public ceremony that saw Georgia Governor Brian Kemp attend. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Yahoo
Columbia County Sheriff's Office seeks public's help to find missing man
The Columbia County Sheriff's Office is asking the public for help finding a man whose been missing since Monday. Mariano Lopez-Diaz, who was last seen [Monday] morning at Hillandale Farms, is 5′1′' and was last seen wearing a blue t-shirt, brown pants, and brown shoes, a sheriff's office social media post states. Anyone who knows his whereabouts is asked to contact dispatch at (386) 719-2005. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Read: Motorcyclist hospitalized in critical condition after I-95 crash in Jacksonville Read: Naked robbery attempt leads to grow house bust in St. Augustine home Read: Child in critical condition after e-bike crash in St. Johns County [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Yahoo
Local reaction to Columbia County Deputies killed, injured
(WJBF) – Reaction to this weekend's tragedy in Columbia County is pouring in from across the state of Georgia. On Saturday, one deputy was killed and another critically injured after a shootout on I-20 near Exit 194. James Blake Montgomery is the man police say is dead after he opened fire on three officers. It happened while being served a Temporary Protective Order during a traffic stop. Deputy Brandon Sikes was shot and killed in the incident. Deputy Gavin White was shot in the face. He is currently in critical condition. The Columbia County Sheriff's Office posted, 'Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the tragic loss of Deputy Brandon Sikes, who was killed in the line of duty. We stand with Brandon's wife Amber, their daughter Lyndsey and their families. 'Lord comfort them and wrap your loving arms around them.' We also continue to pray for Deputy Gavin White, who was critically injured and is continuing to recover and improve in the hospital with his fiancé Hayley Sward by his side. We take comfort in the words of Psalm 34:18: 'The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.' Please join us in praying for the families, friends and colleagues who are grieving and for the full healing of our wounded hero. We are profoundly grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of support, prayers and assistance from neighboring law enforcement agencies, first responders and our community. Your strength and solidarity remind us that we are never alone in these dark hours. May God grant us peace, heal our broken hearts and continue to watch over all those who protect and serve. 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.' Matthew 5:9 Georgia Governor Brian Kemp shared on X, 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. Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson stated, 'Heartbroken and praying for the Columbia County Sheriff's Office and our neighbors in Columbia County. Our prayers are with the families of the fallen, the entire Sheriff's Office, and all who are grieving this unimaginable loss. We honor their sacrifice and pray for the difficult days ahead.' The Richmond County Sheriff's Office stated on Facebook: Today is a very sad day for the CSRA. Sheriff Gino Brantley and the entire Richmond County Sheriff's Office offer condolences to the friends, family, and brothers in blue for their fallen Deputy. We also ask everyone for your prayers and support for the Deputy in the hospital. Matthew 5:9 states, 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.' This verse from the Bible's Sermon on the Mount highlights the importance of peacemaking and identifies those who actively work towards reconciliation and harmony as being blessed and recognized as God's children. We have been and will continue to be by their side as needed. The City of Barnwell Police Department released a statement, saying, 'Barnwell Police Department is praying for the two Columbia County Sheriff's Deputies and their families. To the one that was sadly taken from their family and to the one still fighting for their life. Our hearts and prayers go out to them and their Department. We got your six rest easy and prayers of healing. We pray that the suspect will be found and justice will be served.' The Waynesboro Police Department also released a statement, reading, '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.' The Burnettown Police Department stated, 'This evening our hearts 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.' The Wagener Police Department stated on Facebook, 'Our thoughts and prayers go out to Columbia County Sheriffs Office tonight. We pray for healing for the deputy's family and loved ones. We are also praying for the healing of the injured Deputy.' The Aiken County Sheriff's Office's stated, 'Hearts are heavy throughout the Law Enforcement community as we are a brotherhood no matter where our jurisdictional lines may keep us, we are all bound with a commitment to protect and serve others. Sheriff Sawyer and the men and women of the Aiken County Sheriff's Office sends our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the Columbia County Sheriff's Office and their families as they deal with this unimaginable tragedy.' Sheriff Gino Brantley stated on Facebook: 'This afternoon, a Columbia County Deputy was shot and killed in the line of duty, and another Deputy was seriously wounded and remains in the hospital fighting for recovery. I was there alongside Sheriff Clay Whittle and many others as these tragic events unfolded, and my heart is simply broken for the Deputies, their families, their brothers and sisters in uniform, and the entire Columbia County Sheriff's Office family. No words can truly capture the level of loss we are all feeling right now. The impact of this tragedy extends far beyond Columbia County — it is deeply felt by every law enforcement officer across the CSRA and beyond. We are a family, bound by a commitment to protect and serve others, and when one of our own is lost, we all grieve together. I humbly ask everyone to join me in praying for the family and loved ones of the fallen Deputy, for the Deputy who remains in the hospital, and for the entire Columbia County Sheriff's Office. Matthew 5:9 reminds us, 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.' Today, we mourn a true peacemaker who gave everything in service to others. Please keep them all in your hearts during this difficult time. We will continue to stand with Columbia County in the days, weeks, and months ahead. They are not alone.' Chairman Doug Duncan and the Board of Commissioners released a statement: We are deeply saddened by the loss of Officer Brandon Sikes, who was tragically killed in the line of duty while serving Columbia County. Officer Sikes exemplified the highest standards of bravery and dedication, making the ultimate sacrifice to protect others. Our prayers and heartfelt condolences are with his family during this incredibly difficult time. We also ask for your continued thoughts and prayers for Officer Gavin White as he fights for his recovery. We honor their extraordinary commitment and courage and are forever indebted to them for their service. We will never forget the sacrifices made in the pursuit of safety and justice. Augusta Prep stated on Facebook: 'We at Augusta Prep are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Columbia County Deputy Brandon Sikes, who was killed in action Saturday night. Since May 2023, Deputy Sikes has been part of the rotation of deputies dedicated to protecting Augusta Prep's students, families, faculty, and staff throughout the school year. We are profoundly grateful for his service – and for the ongoing commitment of all Columbia County Deputies – to the safety of our community.' As Head of School Eric Hedinger shared, 'Deputy Sikes exemplified the dedication and care that makes a difference in the lives of those he served. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the Columbia County Sheriff's Office during this difficult time. We are also keeping Deputy Gavin White, who was also shot Saturday night, close in our hearts. We will share ways to support the Sikes family as more information becomes available. We will honor Deputy Sikes by flying the American flag at half-mast, starting Monday.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
