Drugs and Stolen Vehicle land Two People in Jail

On March 22, deputies of the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office were contacted by dispatch in reference to a stolen vehicle located inside the county.  Deputies located the stolen excavator at the intersection of Devils Branch Road and Persimmon Creek Road.  The vehicle failed to stop for deputies and a pursuit began with the excavator traveling approximately 20mph.  Deputies deployed spike strips and the vehicle finally stopped on Persimmon Road.  K9 Yorka arrived on the scene and alerted to illegal drugs.  Deputies located a clear crystal rock like substance believed to be methamphetamine between the driver’s side seat and door.  Deputies also located a revolver in a suitcase in the rear of the vehicle.  Deputies arrested 38-year-old James Matthew Hicks of Lawrenceville for possession of a schedule I controlled substance, theft by receiving stolen property, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and 40-year-old Preston Micheal English of Clayton for possession of a schedule I controlled substance, fleeing law enforcement, theft by receiving stolen property, driving while license suspended or revoked, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.  Both suspects were transported to the Rabun County Detention Center for booking.