Three arrested after struggle with firearm in domestic incident

By: Brian Wellmeier

Photo: Stephens County Sheriff's Office

Three Toccoa residents were taken into custody Wednesday, Feb. 18, after deputies responded to a report of gunfire at a Skyline Drive home and later uncovered a large quantity of suspected drugs during a court-authorized search, according to police.

According to the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched around 12:48 p.m. on Feb. 18 to a residence near Stephen Drive following reports of shots fired and a fight in progress. Investigators with the agency’s Crime Suppression Unit and officers with the Toccoa Police Department also responded.

When authorities arrived, they encountered two males engaged in a physical struggle over a firearm.

Police say officers intervened and briefly grappled with the individuals before gaining control of the weapon. One male was detained at the scene, while the other was transported by Stephens County EMS to a local hospital for treatment of what officials described as moderate injuries.

No one was found to have been shot, according to authorities, though investigators determined that at least one round had been discharged from the firearm. The weapon was secured as evidence.

Deputies sealed off the residence while they obtained search warrants from a Stephens County magistrate judge. During the investigation into the reported assault, narcotics investigators were called after authorities suspected illegal drugs were inside the home.

At 3:31 p.m., authorities say investigators executed search warrants on the residence and a vehicle parked on the property. Authorities reported seizing roughly 1.8 pounds (850.2 grams) of suspected marijuana packaged in individual bags, three boxes of chocolate bars containing psilocybin, about 38 THC vape products and a digital scale.

Following the search, Xavier Collins, 17, Jonathan Mayfield, 21, and Lateriya Hickman, 35 — all of Toccoa — were arrested and transported to the Stephens County Jail.

Mayfield faces charges of battery and reckless conduct. Collins is charged with battery, reckless conduct, possession of a firearm during the commission of a certain crime and possession of a handgun by a person under 18.

Collins and Hickman are each charged with three counts of possession of a schedule I controlled substance with intent to distribute and seven counts of possession of a schedule I controlled substance.

All three remained in custody as of Wednesday, awaiting bond hearings before a Stephens County magistrate judge.

“While it may seem like this is just weed, it’s still illegal in Georgia,” Sheriff Rusty Fulbright said. “Most importantly, it doesn’t remain just weed when it’s sold by people who don’t care who they’re selling to. It can end up in your child’s hands and in our schools.”