Trio arrested after leading SCSO on a chase in Toccoa

The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a trio of men after a traffic stop led Officers on a chase.

According to Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley, the incident occurred on Thursday, May 14, around 2:00 p.m. when a deputy attempted to stop a black Nissan Maxima for a traffic violation on Davis Avenue when the vehicle fled.

Shirley says deputies gave chase and pursued the vehicle for several minutes as it traveled side streets and secondary roads throughout the city of Toccoa.

The driver of the vehicle continued until he lost control while negotiating a curve on Furman Street, left the roadway and struck a tree, then came to a stop.

Shirley says, once the vehicle stopped, a rear passenger, later identified as 29-year-old Toccoa resident Dustin Whiten, fled on foot but was apprehended by deputies within minutes.

The driver of the vehicle, identified as Defarrell Hunter, 31, of Ellenwood, and the front passenger, identified as Tiny Royston, 24, of Toccoa, were both taken into custody at the scene of the accident.

During a search of the vehicle, following the arrests, Shirley says, deputies discovered a quantity of marijuana that was recovered as evidence.

The Georgia State Patrol was requested and conducted the accident report and all three suspects were transported to the Stephens County Jail.

Whiten has been charged with obstruction and possession of marijuana.

Royston was charged with possession of marijuana.

Hunter, the driver of the vehicle, was charged with Felony Fleeing, Possession of marijuana, suspended license, and was also found to have an active warrant for his arrest out of Habersham County for Forgery.

The trio is being held at the Stephens County Jail pending bond.