Concerned citizen shoots fleeing suspect, faces aggravated assault charge

COVINGTON — The Covington Police Department is investigating a Saturday morning incident in which a citizen apparently attempting to help police — shot a fleeing suspect, leaving him critically wounded.

According to Capt. Craig Treadwell, police officers were pursuing a man driving recklessly in an SUV Saturday morning when the suspect jumped from the vehicle at Newton Plaza and fled on foot. At that point, said Treadwell, another motorist intervened.

“A Good Samaritan comes across with his pickup truck and cuts the guy off,” said Treadwell. “And he steps out of his pickup truck, produces his firearm and shoots the guy in the (neck).”

Treadwell said the shooter, identified as 47-year-old Marcus Pitts, fired just one shot from a handgun.

He has been taken to the Newton County Detention Center and charged with aggravated assault, according to police.

Treadwell said the shooting victim was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital via ground ambulance. He has been identified as Terence Lee Lenox, a Lawrenceville resident.

Treadwell said the incident began early Saturday when police received a call about a speeding vehicle on Ga. Highway 36 headed toward the Covington Square.

Treadwell said two patrol cars in the area attempted to stop the driver of the vehicle, who sped north, crossed the Square, and continued north on Pace Street.

Treadwell said the driver did not stop at the intersection with U.S. Highway 278 and crashed into another vehicle. The driver fled on foot, but was intercepted by the man with a gun.