Accused Shoplifter Also Charged with Drugs

An alleged case of shoplifting leads to a drug arrest in Toccoa.

According to Toccoa Police Chief Tim Jarrell, it started when Officer Steve Nicely tried to arrest 33-year-old Dianne Brook Wade Whisnant of Carnesville for shoplifting less than $15 worth of items from a Big A Road store last Wednesday afternoon.

“In the process of making the arrest, she broke free from him and began to flee the business,” said Jarrell. “(Officer) Nicely was able to catch up with her. She began to fight back. She did try to bite him during the struggle. Other officers arrived to assist him in the arrest. After placing handcuffs on her, they discovered she had a small plastic baggy with an all-white crystal substance believed to be methamphetamine on her person. In addition to the suspected methamphetamine, they found a glass pipe believed to be used for smoking methamphetamine.”

In addition to a charge of Misdemeanor Shoplifting, Jarrell said Whisnant was also charged with three felony charges; Possession of Methamphetamine, Obstruction of a Police Officer and Interference with Government Property.

The chief said Whisnant was charged with Interference with Government Property as a result of damaging the officer’s body camera.