SANTA ROSA COUNTY

SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Sheriff Wendell Hall

Investigators Identify Body Found in Milton

Santa Rosa Investigators have identified the body that was located last night in Milton. Fingerprints were able to verify that the body was Willie James Dukes, B/M, 30 years old of Milton , FL. Dukes was last seen on the evening of 4/22/09 , after he attacked a deputy on a traffic stop in that area. After the confrontation, Dukes fled on foot into a wooded area. (SEE ATTACHED ORIGINAL RELEASE BELOW) On that evening, major search was initiated for Dukes utilizing numerous Deputies and K-9 officers with negative results. A second search was conducted the next morning utilizing deputies and K-9's from another agency, which also ended with negative results. The autopsy for Dukes has been delayed until Monday, 5/04/09 . No further information is available at this time. More information will be released as soon as it becomes available.

Deputies Investigating Body Found in Milton

Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office Investigators are investigating the discovery of a body that was located last night in the Milton area. Deputies arrived on 4/30/09 shortly before 2200 hours after a citizen reported that they had discovered a body in the area of Fairlands Drive and Galt City Road . The body was found floating in a pond. The body was in a state of decomposition and the identity of the subject could not be determined. The Sheriff's Office is currently investigating the case, along with the Medical Examiners Office. An autopsy is scheduled later today. No further information is known at this time.

ORIGINAL RELEASE FROM 4/23/09

Sheriff's Office Asking For Public's Help in Locating Suspect Who Attacked Deputy on Traffic Stop

The Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in locating a wanted suspect after he fled from a Sheriff's Deputy on a traffic stop then attacked him. On 4/22/09 , a Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office Deputy attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation on Galt City Road in Milton . The vehicle failed to yield, even after the Deputy activated his lights and sirens. The suspect pulled over on Burbank Drive at which time the Deputy asked the suspect to get out of the vehicle. The suspect was identified as Willie Dukes. Dukes had a white powdery substance smeared across his face. When the Deputy attempted to detain Dukes, Dukes pushed the Deputy and started running on foot from the Deputy. The Deputy chased Dukes for approximately 10 yards, at which time Dukes turned around and got into a fighting stance. A physical confrontation then occurred between Dukes and the Deputy as they fell to the ground. Dukes got on top of the deputy and punched the Deputy in the head. The Deputy was able to get Dukes off of him and Dukes continued to run for approximately 10 more yards. Dukes then got into another fighting stance at which time the Deputy tackled him and another fight ensued. Dukes then got away from the Deputy and ran while the Deputy pursued him into a thick wooded area. A major search was initiated for Dukes utilizing numerous Deputies and K-9 officers with negative results. A search of Dukes vehicle revealed 3 plastic baggies with cocaine residue on the driver's seat. Several pieces of cocaine were also located. Deputies believe that Dukes was attempting to consume the cocaine while the deputy was attempting to stop him. There are currently active warrants for the arrest of Dukes and the public is urged to contact Crime Stoppers or the Sheriff's Office with any information concerning Dukes current whereabouts. Any person who provides information to Crime Stoppers which leads to the arrest of Dukes will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1000.00. A photograph of Dukes is attached to this email.

Suspect:

Willie James Dukes, B/M, 30 years old, 5'11”, 230 lbs.

Last known address: 6600 Block of James Street , Milton , FL

Charges:

Fleeing and Eluding Law Enforcement, 3 rd degree felony

Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, 3 rd degree felony

Resisting with Violence, 3 rd degree felony

Possession of Cocaine, 3 rd degree felony

Press Release By:

Sgt. Scott Haines

Media Relations Unit

(850) 981-2136 or shaines@srso.net