A stolen vehicle investigation led to a drug trafficking arrest over the weekend in Hall County. Deputies apprehended Christopher Eugene Starnes, 43, Sunday evening after K9 units tracked him down east of Gillsville.
Starnes had approximately 13 ounces (369 grams) of methamphetamine in his possession at the time of his arrest, a sheriff’s office spokesperson says. The drugs have an estimated street value of $28,000.
Investigators say Starnes fled on foot from a residence in the 4000 block of Whipporwill Road as deputies were recovering a stolen 1994 Ford Ranger pickup and license plate. The truck was reported stolen Saturday from a residence on Timber Ridge Road.
Investigators charged Starnes with felony theft by receiving for the truck and misdemeanor theft by receiving for the license plate.
Additionally, investigators charged Starnes with felony theft by receiving in connection with a 2020 Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle stolen from a Noah Martin Road residence last October. Deputies recovered the motorcycle earlier this month from some woods north of Gainesville.
As of Tuesday afternoon, March 29, Starnes remained in the Hall County Jail without bond.
The sheriff’s office says the investigation is continuing.
