Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Brandon Sikes was shot and killed during an attempted traffic stop just before exit 194 on Interstate 20, near Augusta, at approximately 6:30 p.m.
Deputy Sikes and three other deputies were serving a domestic violence protective order on the subject. At first, the man was compliant and non-threatening, but when deputies turned away, he fired at them with a 9mm AR Pistol. Deputy Sikes was mortally wounded. Another deputy was shot in the face. Two deputies returned fire. One of the deputies gathered the injured deputy through a barrage of gunfire and transported him to the hospital, where he recovered from gunshot wounds to his face.
The suspect attempted to flee in his camper but crashed on the highway. Hours later, drones found the suspect dead from a gunshot wound inside his camper with pipe bombs, firearms, and ammunition.
Deputy Sikes was a United States Army veteran and had served with the Columbia County Sheriff's Office for over six years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, who also serves with the agency, a daughter, parents, three brothers, nieces, and a nephew.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-GA-39941BD9- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Deputy Sheriff Sikes gave the Columbia County Sheriff's Office 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Appling community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Brandon Ray Sikes served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Deputy Sheriff Brandon Ray Sikes is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In GA, 548 of 903 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.7% of this state's fallen. That is 6.5 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Columbia County Sheriff's Office, 1 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Brandon Ray Sikes's cause is highlighted.
How Brandon Ray Sikes Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Brandon Ray Sikes is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Brandon Ray Sikes was killed by handgun; 9 mm.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Columbia County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
