Flowery Branch man arrested after stay at a Toccoa motel

The Toccoa Police Department has issued an arrest warrant for a Flowery Branch man.

According to Toccoa Police Chief Jimmy Mize, on November 15, his office was called to the Quality Inn, located at 106 Stephen Circle in reference to a suspicious person.

Upon arrival, officers met with the front desk clerk, who Mize says, advised them that a room had been rented to 46-year-old Rodney Cole, of Flowery Branch, the previous night.

Officers were advised that Cole did not stay in the room he had rented instead he drove around the building for hours until he finally backed his truck into a parking space and fell asleep.

The following day, Cole was scheduled to check out of the room he had rented; however, he never did.

The clerk witnessed Cole leaving the property in his truck only to return a short time later; at which time, he began circling the building again. Cole was seen backing his truck into a parking space where he again fell asleep.

The clerk attempted to make contact with Cole, to ask him to leave; but she was unsuccessful in waking him; prompting her to call police.

Officers were able to wake Cole; but he was slow to move and lethargic.

Mize says Cole’s ID was obtained and after a check through dispatch, Officers were advised that his license were suspended; however, he did have a permit for work, school, etc.

Cole was asked to exit the vehicle. Mize says once he stepped out of the vehicle he stumbled and had to hold himself up by leaning on the vehicle.

A field sobriety test was attempted with Cole; but was ended for his safety, due to the fact that he was unable to keep his eyes open. At this point, Mize says, Cole was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs.

A search of Cole’s vehicle was then conducted. Inside the vehicle a black sunglass case was found containing some aluminum foil, a syringe, Xanax, and numerous pieces of a crystal-like substance.

Cole was arrested and transported to the Stephens County Jail. Warrants for possession of methamphetamine and possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Substance were secured at the police department. Cole was also issued a citation for DUI.