2 Toccoa men arrested after domestic dispute

Two Toccoa men were arrested after a domestic dispute led officers to a residence on Hill Street.

According to Toccoa Police Chief Jimmy Mize, on December 2, officers responded to 347 Hill Street in reference to a domestic in progress involving a Toccoa man and woman.

Upon arrival, the male subject had fled the scene, and the female’s injuries were photographed by officers. The victim provided officers with a location that she believed the male had run off to.

Before leaving the scene, officers saw a backpack that had been left behind with a glass pipe with white residue in plain view, prompting law enforcement to search the bag, which revealed a gun and paperwork with the suspect’s, Joseph Austin, name on it.

Officers then relocated to Hill Place to search for Austin.  There they made contact with James Saylor and Dustin Nalley; however, neither man could provide identification.

With previous knowledge of these individuals, the officers requested a search of their person for possible weapons.

Nalley had nothing on his person and was released at the scene.

Saylor told officers he had a knife; however, during the search of his person, 6 or 7 knifes were found.

As the officer looked through Saylor’s wallet for identification, he found a straw with white residue on it and a small baggie of crystal-like substance believed to be Methamphetamine.

Officers received a tip that Austin was at 78 Hill Place, prompting them to surround the home and knock on the door. Austin came outside and was arrested without further incident.

Joseph Austin, 41, of Toccoa was charged with Simple Battery under the Family Violence Act, Criminal Trespassing under the Family Violence Act, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug related objects, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

James Saylor, 42, of Tocca was charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug related objects.

Both subjects were taken to Stephens County Jail without further incident.