Toccoa Man Arrested After Foot Chase Leads to Drug Discovery
On Saturday, November 23, a Stephens County Sheriff’s Office deputy with the S.T.I.N.G. Unit patrolling the downtown Toccoa area near East Savannah Street and Short Street stopped a suspicious pedestrian walking on the wrong side of the roadway.
The man, identified as 20-year-old Christopher Skelton of Toccoa, presented his driver’s license during the stop. While speaking with Skelton, the deputy noticed the odor of marijuana coming from him. When questioned, Skelton fled on foot.
The deputy pursued Skelton, first in his patrol car and then on foot, after Skelton tripped and fell near East Savannah Street. Although Skelton attempted to flee again, the deputy detained and searched him.
During the search, the deputy discovered Skelton’s fanny pack, initially closed, was now open. Inside, the deputy found marijuana, suspected methamphetamine, and drug-related objects. The deputy requested a K-9 Unit to check the area for additional narcotics, but no further drugs were located.
Skelton was arrested and transported to the Stephens County Jail. He faces charges including:
- Possession of Marijuana (less than one ounce)
- Possession of Methamphetamine
- Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute
- Possession of Drug-Related Objects
- Hindering or Obstructing Law Enforcement Officers
- Failure to Walk on Left Side of Roadway
Skelton remains in custody with a bond set at $21,000.
