Man Arrested on Multiple Charges After Firing Rifle Near Wayne County Jail

Austyn Duane Duke, age 31, was arrested on multiple charges last week following an incident in the parking lot of the Wayne County Jail. Duke allegedly fired a rifle in the vicinity of the jail and several other buildings, including Hollis Academy and Harry Floyd Bail Bonding. Duke led officers on a high-speed chase before ultimately being apprehended at his residence.

According to Sheriff Shane Fisher, a call was placed to Wayne County E-911 at approximately 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 26, with the caller stating that Duke said he was “going up there to save people.” The caller believed that Duke was referring to the area of the jail and Sheriff’s Office, and they believed him to be armed.

Sheriff’s deputies immediately responded to the jail’s parking area, and officers from the Waynesboro Police Department were dispatched to assist. After allegedly firing a rifle from his vehicle, Duke sped away and officers began a pursuit that would continue for approximately ten miles. According to Sheriff Fisher, the pursuit exited the city reaching speeds of nearly 100 miles per hour, ultimately ending at 2551 Lawrenceburg Highway where Duke stopped at his residence, exited the vehicle, and ran into the woods.

Duke was apprehended by deputies without incident within minutes of entering the wooded area. However, Sheriff Fisher said Duke was also in possession of a handgun and fired at least one round within a few minutes of entering the wooded area. Fortunately, no officers or civilians were struck by bullets or injured in any way as a result of the incident.

Duke was booked into the Wayne County Jail on charges of Reckless Endangerment, Reckless Driving, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Driving Under the Influence, Violation of Implied Consent, Evading Arrest, Resisting Arrest, Possession of a Handgun while Under the Influence, and Possession of a Firearm at a Penal Facility. Duke is being held without bond.