A Toccoa man was arrested on drug charges Saturday, Nov. 23, after he allegedly attempted to run from police, according to authorities.
The Stephens County STING unit observed Christopher Skelton, 20, walking near East Savannah Street and Short Street in downtown Toccoa before an officer initiated a stop.
Skelton presented a driver’s license to the officer upon request. Police say the deputy then caught a whiff of marijuana “emitting from his person.”
After questioning the suspect about the odor, Skelton allegedly fled on foot before a chase ensued. As the deputy pursued the suspect in his patrol vehicle, authorities say Skelton continued to run “off the sidewalk and onto the grass along East Savannah Street” before he stumbled and fell to the ground.
Skelton attempted to flee a second time as the deputy exited his vehicle, apprehending and searching him.
The deputy then located amounts of marijuana, suspected methamphetamine and several drug-related objects allegedly contained in Skelton’s fanny pack. Skelton was transported to the Stephens County Jail. He was charged with possession of marijuana (less than one ounce), possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, possession of drug related objects, and hindering or obstructing law enforcement officers.
Skelton was also charged with failure to walk on left side of roadway, which likely spurred the deputy’s decision to approach him during the initial stop.
