In a coordinated effort to improve roadway safety, the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) Crime Suppression Unit (CSU), Traffic Enforcement Unit and several partnering agencies conducted a series of safety checkpoints across the county last week, resulting in 10 arrests and over 260 vehicles stopped.
According to the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, the checkpoints took place during the evenings of April 2 and April 5 in Toccoa, Eastanollee and Martin. Officers from Georgia State Patrol Post 7 and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) also participated in the operation, assisting local deputies with enforcement and public safety initiatives.
According to the sheriff’s office, the primary goal of these checkpoints was to ensure drivers were operating their vehicles safely and legally. Law enforcement officers checked for valid driver’s licenses, proper seatbelt usage, working lights and signs of impairment. Drivers found to be under the influence or operating without valid credentials were arrested.
“We’re out here making sure everyone is legal and safe to drive,” Sheriff Rusty Fulbright said. “I would like to thank all agencies who were involved in this initiative. Partnering with outside resources when we have the availability gives Stephens County citizens their best hope for a safer, crime-free county.”
April 2 checkpoints
On Wednesday, April 2, checkpoints were set up in Eastanollee and Martin.
From 6 p.m. to 7:40 p.m., CSU and Georgia State Patrol Troopers monitored the intersection of Wolfpit Road and Eastanollee School Road. Over 35 vehicles were stopped, resulting in nine citations and three arrests:
David Thomason, 60, of Toccoa: Arrested for DUI (drugs), possession of a controlled substance and failure to provide license.
Derek Lee, 39, of Eastanollee: Arrested for driving while license suspended or revoked.
Wavy Hahn, 47, of Eastanollee: Arrested for driving with an expired license.
A K-9 unit was deployed during this checkpoint and allegedly alerted to the presence of illegal drugs in one vehicle, which was subsequently towed, according to authorities.
Later that evening, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., law enforcement operated a checkpoint at Old Highway 17 and Banks Street in Martin. Police say about 10 vehicles were stopped, three citations were issued and one arrest was made:
Jalen Rayton, 22, of Hartwell: Arrested for DUI (drugs). His vehicle was also towed.
April 5 checkpoints
On Saturday, April 5, additional checkpoints were held in Toccoa with assistance from DNR Rangers and GSP Troopers.
From 6 p.m. to 7:40 p.m., two checkpoints were established at South and North Red Rock Roads on Oak Valley Road. Authorities say officers stopped around 60 vehicles, issued two citations and four warnings and arrested one individual:
Tessa Rutherford, 25, of Toccoa: Arrested for driving while license suspended.
The final checkpoint occurred from 8 p.m. to 10:20 p.m. at Highway 106 (Mize Road) and New Hope Road. An estimated 150 vehicles were stopped, 13 citations were issued and three vehicles were towed, according to police. Five individuals were arrested:
Sarah Hill, 30, of Mount Airy: Arrested for DUI (drugs/alcohol), driving while license suspended or revoked, giving false name to law enforcement, defective tires and improper backing.
James Feaster, 57, of Martin: Arrested for DUI (drugs/alcohol) and driving while license suspended or revoked.
Christopher Fulbright, 22, of Toccoa: Arrested for DUI (drugs/alcohol).
Jorge Aguilar, 38, of Gillsville: Arrested for driving while license suspended or revoked.
Jose Ruiz-Alarcon, 62, of Carnesville: Arrested for driving without a license.
