A Gainesville man, one of two people arrested following a single-vehicle traffic accident last week, remained in the Hall County Jail Monday morning. The arrests grew out of a series of events that followed the arrival of Hall County sheriff’s deputies at the accident scene on Clarks Bridge Road near Stancil Road.
HALL CO. SHERIFF’S OFFICE (HCSO) NARRATIVE:
“Hall County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputies responded to the scene just after 9 p.m. and found a vehicle overturned in a ditch. The sole occupant of the vehicle, Mallory Faith Starley, 39, of Gainesville, at first refused to cooperate with deputies, telling them it was none of their business why the accident occurred. She also refused to remain seated as instructed by deputies who were on scene.
As deputies were attempting to speak with Ms. Stancil, her boyfriend arrived on the scene. The boyfriend was identified as Michael Robert Franco, 38, of Gainesville. Mr. Franco attempted to intervene in the investigation multiple times, refusing deputies’ commands to stay at a safe distance. As a result, Mr. Franco was handcuffed.
The preliminary investigation determined Ms. Starley and Mr. Franco had had a verbal argument earlier in the evening. He left their residence on his motorbike and she followed him in her vehicle in an attempt to catch up to him. Deputies determined she was driving erratically and lost control of her vehicle, resulting in the accident.
Deputies also determined Mr. Franco was driving on a suspended license. In addition, he had outstanding warrants from both Hall and Lumpkin counties.
Ms. Starley was charged with reckless driving and obstruction, both misdemeanor offenses. She posted a bond of $3,150 and was released from the Hall County Jail on May 8.
Mr. Franco was charged with obstruction and driving on a suspended license, both misdemeanor offenses. He remains in the Hall County Jail with no bond because of the outstanding warrants.”
The accident happened Wednesday night.