Routine Traffic-stop Ends in Foot Chase, drugs discovered

A routine traffic-stop ends in a foot chase, the discovery of a large quantity of drugs and a gun.

On Sunday, March 25, the Toccoa Police Department, with the help of the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia State Patrol, apprehended Justin Lee Burrell, 30, of Toccoa.

Officers attempted to stop Burrell for a minor traffic offense when Burrell led them on a low speed chase from Hill Street up to Zebulon Church, where he then abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot.

 

Officer Chris Carter and Sheriff’s Deputy Brantley Cash gave chase on foot and apprehended Burrell just behind the Zebulon Church Building on Rock Quarry Road.

Toccoa Police Department’s Interim Police Chief Jimmy Mize told WNEG News about the incident.

“Our officer Chris Carter with the help of a Sheriff’s Deputy, Brantley Cash were able to bring Burrell into custody after a short foot-chase,” he said.

Mize added that officers were able to remove 91.7 grams of Methamphetamine, 18.5 grams of Marijuana, 1.2 grams of what is believed to be Heroin, 109 Xanax pills and a .40 caliber handgun.

Burrell was charged with the following: possession of meth with intent to distribute; possession of meth; manufacture, deliver, distribute, administer, sell, or possess narcotics; Fleeing or attempting to elude police officers; possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a crime; receive, possession or transfer of firearm by convicted felon; reckless driving, fail to report striking fixed object; obstructing or hindering law enforcement officers; possession of less than an ounce of marijuana; illegal possession of a controlled substance; and failure to dim headlights.

Mize added that Burrell is currently in the Stephens County Jail.