A planned traffic slowdown on Interstate 85 in Anderson County, South Carolina, Wednesday afternoon confused many drivers, but it was part of a law enforcement operation to arrest a wanted Georgia murder suspect.
Suspect and Investigation
Andrew Montgomery, 43, was wanted by Cobb County, Georgia, authorities in connection with a homicide. Deputies in South Carolina were notified that Montgomery was traveling north in a semi-truck on I-85.
Controlled Traffic Slowdown
Instead of risking a dangerous high-speed chase with a large commercial truck, deputies used marked patrol vehicles to create a rolling traffic slowdown, effectively boxing in the suspect. Traffic camera footage captured the unusual gridlock, which many drivers initially did not understand.
Arrest of Andrew Montgomery
Once the truck was contained, unmarked law enforcement vehicles surrounded it, and deputies took Montgomery into custody at gunpoint without incident. He was later booked into the Anderson County Detention Center. Cobb County remains the lead agency in the homicide investigation.
Public Reaction
Videos shared online showed deputies swarming the semi-truck after the controlled slowdown. Many viewers praised the operation for being safe, fast, and highly coordinated, while others questioned the temporary traffic delays and why authorities didn’t wait for a safer location like a truck stop.
Safety Considerations
Authorities explained the tactic was chosen to avoid a dangerous interstate pursuit with a large commercial vehicle. By creating a short-lived, controlled traffic jam, deputies successfully captured the suspect without putting other drivers or themselves at risk.
