2 Toccoa residents, 1 Franklin County resident arrested in Franklin County

By MJ Kneiser, WLHR

Following a manhunt in the Gumlog area of Franklin County last Wednesday, two Toccoa residents and one Franklin County resident are in custody on a number of charges, including auto theft.

Franklin County Sheriff Steve Thomas told WNEG’s sister station, WLHR, that his office was notified on Wednesday regarding a stolen vehicle from Habersham County. 

He said, “Deputies located the vehicle at a residence on Lewis Drive in the Brittany Harbor South neighborhood of the Gumlog community. The tag displayed on the vehicle was the same, but the color of the vehicle was altered from white to black with spray paint.”  

Franklin County deputies then requested the assistance of investigators.

Thomas said, “During the investigation, a black male began backing out of the driveway on Lewis Drive and almost struck one of the county vehicles. The driver then jumped out and ran. At that point, deputies requested assistance from the Stephen County Sheriff’s Office K9 Units, which were able to track and locate the suspect who was hiding under another trailer nearby.”

Roger Laquarius Neal, 33, of Toccoa, was arrested on the charge of theft by taking/automobile. A hold was also placed on Neal for outstanding warrants in Stephens County.

While deputies were conducting the arrest of Neal, another vehicle pulled into the driveway of the residence on Lewis Drive.

Thomas says, “When the driver saw law enforcement, he began to back out but deputies were able to get the vehicle stopped. The driver would not comply with deputies orders so he was also arrested.”

The driver was identified as Justin Hixson, 45, of Toccoa.

Thomas said drugs were located inside Hixson’s vehicle. He added that officers believe that Hixson was attempting to deliver the drugs to the owner of the residence, identified as 57-year-old Christopher Larry Spiva of Lavonia.

Hixson is charged with driving on a suspended license, possession of methamphetamine, two counts of obstruction of an officer, Improper stopping in the roadway, and Improper backing.

Officers then attempted to speak with Spiva, who refused to talk to officers or exit the home.

Thomas said, “Investigators obtained a search warrant for Spiva’s trailer because he refused to answer the door or come out. Deputies eventually gained entry and located Spiva alone in the residence.”

Spiva was arrested and is charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and a probation warrant out of the Hart County Sheriff’s Office.

Thomas expressed appreciation for the assistance from the Georgia State Patrol, Georgia State Patrol Aviation, Stephens County Sheriff’s Office Deputies, their K-9 Units, and the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office.