Full List of Charges Issued In Monday Car Theft, Downtown Chase

A South Carolina man faces charges from both the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office and the Toccoa Police Department after a car theft and chase Monday night.

Authorities said that 24-year-old Barry Joel Mullinax of Liberty or Easley, South Carolina faces multiple charges.

Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley said it started on Monday night when Mullinax met with people at the Toccoa Wal-Mart about a black 2006 Ford Mustang the victims had put on craigslist.com to sell.

Shirley said Mullinax went with the victims in the vehicle to see how it ran, but then during the test drive, Shirley said Mullinax pulled out a semi-automatic pistol on the driver and tried to get the driver to turn left off of Highway 17, even though there was nowhere to turn left.

The sheriff said that the driver tried to pass a pistol to the other victim in the backseat, but could not and when the victim in the backseat tried to lean forward, Mullinax aimed the pistol at the person in the backseat and threatened to “blow his brains out.”

According to the sheriff, the driver pulled into a business lot on Highway 17 and Mullinax told the victims to hand over their personal belongings that included wallets, cell phone, and an undisclosed amount of cash.

Shirley said Mullinax then told the victims to get out of the vehicle and he took off with it.

At that point, authorities received a 911 call and a “BOLO” was put out for the vehicle.

Jarrell said the “BOLO” was received by police just before 8 p.m. Monday.

“Sergeant Matt Mealor spotted the vehicle on Big A Road and saw it turn on Doyle Street,” said Jarrell. “Once Mealor turned on Doyle Street, they were not able to locate the vehicle. Other officers converged on the area and they then saw the vehicle on Mitchell Street turn on Doyle Street.”

Jarrell went on to say that the chase picked back up.

“The Mustang attempted to pass a patrol car and in doing so, lost control of the vehicle, striking one of the patrol cars in the driver’s side,” said Jarrell.

Jarrell said the Mustang went through a yard on Doyle Street, clipped a telephone pole, went across another driveway, struck two mailboxes, and then impacted a large tree with the front passenger corner of the vehicle, which Jarrell said caused the vehicle to go airborne and flip over onto its top and coming to rest in the middle of Doyle Street near Regions Bank.

According to Jarrell, Mullinax was apprehended while attempting to flee on foot following the crash.

Jarrell said there were no injuries, but a patrol car received some minor damage.

The sheriff said Mullinax faces charges from his office of two counts of armed robbery, two counts of kidnapping, two counts of aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

In addition, Jarrell said police have charged Mullinax with possession of methamphetamine, fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, obstructing a police officer, reckless driving, criminal trespass by motor vehicle, and driving while license suspended or revoked.

Shirley said Mullinax is currently at the Stephens County Jail pending bond.

The sheriff went on to say that investigators have learned since the incident that another vehicle and person may be involved and are currently following leads at this time, adding that more arrests and charges may be forthcoming.