Safety Check Point Leads to Arrest

A safety checkpoint in Stephens County last week leads to the arrest of one individual on drug and other charges.

According to Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley, his office had received numerous citizen complaints regarding reckless driving and suspicious vehicles in the area of Bruce Road and Holcomb Drive.

Shirley said that as a result of those concerns, his office conducted a safety checkpoint at the intersection of those two roads last Friday.

“During that time, there was a motorcycle that was approaching and decided it would turn around,” said Shirley. “It caught the deputy’s eye and as the deputy got in his automobile to investigate, the motorcyclist attempted to take off. The motorcycle would not crank. As a result, he laid it down and took off running on foot. The deputy gave chase, tackled him, and was able to effect an arrest without incident.”

Shirley said that deputies then searched the driver of the motorcycle, identified as 25-year-old Cory Holbrooks of Toccoa.

“They recovered about 1/8 ounce of methamphetamine, marijuana, some scales, and a semi-automatic pistol,” said Shirley. “Later during the investigation, they found out the motorcycle was stolen from Warner Robins, Georgia.”

Holbrooks has been charged in Stephens County with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of a Firearm While Committing a Drug Crime, Theft by Receiving Stolen Property, Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana, and several traffic charges.

Shirley said that additional charges could be forthcoming in relation to the theft of the motorcycle.

He said an arrest like this is one of the many reasons his office sets up safety checkpoints on area roads.

“This Friday, we were able to not only confiscate dangerous drugs and return a stolen vehicle to its rightful owner, more importantly we were able to take a handgun off of our streets and perhaps save the life of a law enforcement officer or citizen that it may have been used against,” said Shirley.

At last report, Holbrooks was being held at the Stephens County Jail awaiting a bond hearing.