AUGUSTA, Ga. () – In the late afternoon of Saturday, October 18th, at approximately 3:56 p.m., officers from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office successfully apprehended a fugitive after an intense foot pursuit and search operation in a swamp area near the 5000 block of Mike Padgett Highway.

While on routine patrol, deputies spotted an individual resembling a wanted criminal walking along the roadside near the mentioned location. The suspect’s appearance matched that of Robbie Newton, a man sought by authorities.

Once the deputies verified Newton’s identity, they attempted to engage with him. However, Newton quickly fled the scene, leaping over a guardrail and vanishing into a nearby swamp. He sought refuge amid dense foliage, approximately 25–30 yards away from the highway.

In response, the deputies promptly set up a perimeter and called for backup. With the arrival of additional officers, they issued repeated loud commands for Newton to surrender. Leading the search, Deputy Hawkins and his K-9 unit, Roy, ventured into the swamp to track down the elusive suspect.

A perimeter was quickly established as additional deputies responded to assist. After giving multiple loud verbal commands for Newton to surrender, Deputy Hawkins and his K-9 partner, Roy, entered the swamp to locate the suspect.

After tracking approximately 15 yards through mud and water, K-9 Roy located Newton, who refused to show his hands when ordered. K-9 Roy was deployed and made contact with Newton’s right leg, resulting in two minor cuts. The suspect stopped running and gave up.

He was taken into custody, evaluated by EMS at the scene, and arrested on multiple outstanding felony warrants.

Sheriff Eugene Brantley praised the deputies and K-9 team for their professionalism, dedication, and teamwork during the incident.

“Our deputies did an outstanding job using sound tactics and great restraint to bring this situation to a safe conclusion,” said Sheriff Brantley. “Our K-9s continue to prove themselves as invaluable members of this agency. We now have K-9s assigned to both Crime Suppression Teams and available 24/7 with Road Patrol, ensuring immediate response and enhanced safety for our community.”