Wrong-Way Driver in Newton County Leads Deputies on Chase; Drugs and Gun Found
COVINGTON, GA – On July 23, 2025, at approximately 11:00 a.m., the Newton County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a hit-and-run on Cook Road involving a black Acura SUV traveling in the wrong lane. Witnesses stated the driver forced at least one vehicle off the roadway and struck a stop sign before fleeing the scene.
Deputy Matthew Shelnutt, assisted by the Traffic Unit, located the suspect vehicle near Bypass Road at Lower River Road. When Deputy Shelnutt attempted a traffic stop, the driver refused to comply, initiating a pursuit that ended on South Lake Drive, where the suspect was taken into custody.
A search of the vehicle uncovered cocaine, marijuana, multiple pill bottles containing oxycodone and Xanax, and a handgun.
The suspect was identified as Marquis Dukes, 34, of Covington. Deputies confirmed he is a convicted felon. Dukes now faces multiple charges, including:
- Fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer
- Possession of cocaine with intent to distribute
- Possession, purchase, manufacture or sale of marijuana
- Possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a crime
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
- Two counts of possession of drugs not in their original container
- Improper lane usage
- Weaving over the roadway
- Failure to fulfill duty upon striking an unattended vehicle
The investigation remains ongoing.
