RICHMOND COUNTY, Ga. () – The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has arrested the man wanted in connection to the fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of Duane Rutledge, 65, of Augusta.

According to authorities, Michael Lafayette Kelley, Jr. was located and arrested by the RCSO Traffic Division, RCSO Special Operations, and the U.S. Marshals Task Force on Tuesday at 5:35 P.M. for vehicular homicide.

“Thanks to the hard work of our deputies, investigators, and federal partners, we were able to identify and apprehend the suspect responsible for this tragic crime,” said Sheriff Eugene Brantley. “We hope that this arrest brings some level of comfort to Mr. Rutledge’s family as they continue to grieve their loss. Justice will now take its course, and we remain committed to holding those who commit such crimes accountable.”

According to deputies, officers responded to a collision on January 26th at approximately 9:30 P.M. at 13th Avenue and Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., where Rutledge was struck from behind by a vehicle while riding a moped.