Two Arrested for Drug Possession Following Suspicious Activity in Toccoa

In the early morning hours of September 30, 2024, a deputy from the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office and an officer from the Toccoa Police Department were on routine patrol on Big A Road when they observed suspicious activity behind a local business. Their investigation led to the arrests of Bruce Bailey, 31, and Tyler Toliver, 28, both residents of Toccoa.

While conducting their patrol, the deputy and officer noticed multiple individuals walking back and forth behind the business. Upon driving around the back of the building, they discovered a makeshift shelter constructed from wooden pallets and articles of clothing. The shelter was located against a wall near the back entrance of the business.

As the officers approached the structure, they made contact with Bailey and Toliver, who were recognized as part of the local homeless community. During their conversation, the officers spotted a plastic bag containing needles and syringes commonly associated with illegal drug use lying next to Toliver. Both men claimed ignorance regarding the bag’s origin, insisting it did not belong to them.

The deputy instructed Bailey and Toliver to stand up and obtained their consent to search their persons and belongings. During the search, the Toccoa PD officer found a small plastic bag containing suspected methamphetamine in crystal form. The Sheriff’s Office deputy then discovered a syringe containing suspected methamphetamine in liquid form, along with additional syringes and a rubber band often used for injections.

Bailey and Toliver were arrested and transported to the Stephens County Jail without incident. Upon arrival, Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted a field test on the contents of the syringe, which returned a positive result for methamphetamine.

Both individuals were charged with two counts of Possession of Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Related Objects. They were also issued criminal trespass warning notices for the property. Both remain in the Stephens County Jail with a bond set at $12,000 each.

The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office and Toccoa Police Department emphasize their commitment to community safety and encourage residents to report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement or Stephens County 911.