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BREAKING: Escaped inmate Kendrick Hurst taken into custody
Kendrick Hurst
Kendrick Hurst.
Evan Newton
Updated: May 10, 2024, 11:14 PM
Published: May 10, 2024, 5:27 PM

UPDATE # 1


NEWTON COUNTY – According to an updated press release from the Newton County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO), escaped inmate Kendrick Hurst was apprehended more than 400 miles away from Newton County.

A combination between the NCSO, local, state and federal authorities apprehended Hurst on May 10 in Wake County, North Carolina. This comes nearly a week after he first evaded custody on May 4.

Hurst now faces an additional escape charge on top of his original charges of improper backing, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, failure to stop at a yield sign, failure to signal when turning, driving on the wrong side of the roadway, improper lane usage, passing on a solid yellow line, driving on a divided highway crossing on a median, reckless driving, speeding (10-14 over), two counts of terroristic threats and acts, willful obstruction of law enforcement officers and disobeying a traffic control device.

An ongoing internal investigation is underway to determine the specifics of Hurst’s escape and to determine who aided him. 

The NCSO is also looking at whether proper policies were followed during his transport back to the Newton County Detention Center from Piedmont Newton Hospital.

In the press release, Newton County sheriff Ezell Brown said he “commended the diligent work of all the law enforcement agencies involved in locating and detaining the escaped inmate.”Additionally, Brown  expressed his gratitude for the public’s assistance and cooperation during the pursuit.

This is an ongoing story and The News will update this story as more information is available.


***ORIGINAL STORY***

NEWTON COUNTY – Escaped inmate Kendrick Hurst has been apprehended, according to an update from the Newton County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO).

According to the NCSO, a more formal press release will be given “at a later date.”

There is still an ongoing investigation to determine who aided him in the escape.

The Covington News reached out to NCSO communications officer Caitlin Jett for more information, but were told that no further information could be released at this time.

This is an ongoing story and The News will update this story as more information is available.
Gun pulled at Salem Road Walmart; no injuries reported
Crime - LOCAL
Evan Newton
Updated: May 4, 2025, 4:52 PM
Published: May 4, 2025, 4:45 PM

NEWTON COUNTY – No injuries were reported after a gun was pulled at the Salem Road Walmart over the weekend.

On May 4 at approximately 8:50 a.m., deputies with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) responded to an “isolated altercation” between two male customers inside the Salem Road Walmart in Covington.

According to the NCSO, one of the individuals pulled out a firearm during the confrontation. However, the weapon was not discharged and no injuries were reported. Both individuals left the Walmart following the altercation.

So far, no arrests have been made. The NCSO said it is “actively investigating” the incident.

This is the second major incident that has occurred at the Salem Road Walmart in as many months. 

On April 11, then-Walmart employee Dwayne Eduh entered the store in the early hours of the morning while working and allegedly shot and killed 21-year-old Khalaf Barksdale of Conyers and heavily wounded 29-year-old Ryan Bradley of Covington.

Eduh then traveled to another residence on Emerson Trail where police say he shot and killed 19-year-old Akeela Clarke.

After entering a “brief standoff” with deputies in Aiken, South Carolina, Eduh shot himself, according to the NCSO. Two days later it was confirmed that Eduh had died due to his injuries.

Walmart issued a statement following the fatal shooting:

“We’re heartbroken by what’s happened. There’s no place for violence in our stores. We’re focused on taking care of our associates and supporting law enforcement with their investigation.”

The Covington News has reached out to Walmart for comment regarding Sunday’s incident and are waiting to hear back.