FLOWERY BRANCH POLICE NEWS RELEASE:
“(Early Wednesday morning), a Flowery Branch Police Officer conducted a traffic stop in the area of Interstate 985 near Exit 12 northbound. The vehicle was being driven by James Edwards Leondard, 60, of
Lawrenceville.
During the encounter, the Officer observed suspected cocaine and drug paraphernalia
inside the vehicle. Mr. Leonard then fled the scene, which caused a short vehicle
pursuit.
With the assistance of the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, the pursuit ended safely
near Exit 24. Mr. Leonard was taken into custody and, after further investigation, was
charged with the following offense:
- Failure to maintain lane
- Possession of Drug-Related objects
- Possession of Cocaine
- Fleeing/Attempting to Elude a Police Officer (felony)
- Possession of Marijuana Less Than 1 ounce
- No License on Person
- Reckless Driving
- Driving Under the Influence of Drugs – Less Safe
- Obstruction of a Law Enforcement Officer”