The incident occurred on March 8, 2026, on Northbound Interstate 85 (I-85), near Exit 56 and Mile Marker 57 in Coweta County, Georgia (Newnan area).

Key details:

A Coweta County Sheriff’s Office deputy was on patrol when he smelled a strong marijuana odor emanating from a sedan despite the patrol car’s windows being closed.

When signaled to stop for traffic violations (changing lanes without signaling, cutting across a large truck), the driver, Demarcus Rashun Newson, 42, initially paused but suddenly sped away, leading to a high-speed chase (approximately 75-85 mph).

Newson abruptly stopped his car in the middle of the highway lanes, got out in a fighting stance, and lunged toward the police car. The deputy drew his gun and ordered the driver to lie prone, fearing an ambush.

Newson then knelt down and surrendered, and was handcuffed right on the highway. He admitted to panicking and eating/swallowing marijuana to dispose of it while fleeing. Police found marijuana residue in his mouth and on his shirt.

Newson was taken to Piedmont Newnan Hospital for a health check before being detained.

Charges:

Fleeing or attempting to elude police (feudal offense)
Tampering with evidence (disposing of evidence by swallowing drugs)
Obstruction of law enforcement (obstructing police)
Several traffic violations (improper lane change, driving on a divided highway…)

He was formally booked on March 9, 2026, at Coweta County Jail.

Reaction & Status:

The incident received significant coverage from FOX 5 Atlanta with extremely dramatic bodycam footage (deputy officer draws gun and makes arrest in the middle of the highway).

No casualties, no danger to the public following the incident.

Video: