A man was tased and arrested after allegedly fighting with officers during a safety checkpoint in Newton, according to the Newton Police Department.
Officers encountered Matthew Dukes around 5:45 p.m. Sunday, March 16, 2025, at a checkpoint on Decatur Street. Police said they saw what appeared to be controlled substances in plain view as they spoke with Dukes, prompting them to ask him to exit the vehicle.
An altercation followed, involving two officers and Dukes, and resulted in the use of a taser, authorities said. Dukes was taken into custody, and emergency medical services were called for both him and the officers as part of standard procedure.
Dukes was taken to Neshoba General Hospital for observation before being booked into the Newton County Sheriff’s Department. One officer suffered a concussion, and the other sustained minor cuts and bruises, police said.
Dukes is facing charges of aggravated assault on a police officer. He was also served with felony warrants. Bond was denied by Judge Mangum.
“I have reviewed body camera footage from Sunday’s altercation and determined the use of force was necessary,” Interim Chief McKenzie Patrick said in a statement. “I am proud of my officers for staying in the fight and making it back home to their families. Another felon is off the streets of Newton, and we will continue to be a proactive department.”
