First Responders Credited With Saving Three in Stephens County Wreck

By Charlie Bauder, WNEG Toccoa

An accident over the weekend in Toccoa results in three injuries, but authorities say it could have been much worse if not for the actions of first responders on the scene.

Toccoa Police Chief Tim Jarrell said that his department and Stephens County EMS responded to a two-car accident just before 12:45 p.m. Sunday on Crane Mountain Road, near its intersection with Scenic Drive.

“When they arrived, they found a 2012 Chevrolet Impala on its roof in the creek,” said Jarrell.

According to the report, a 1997 Volkswagen Jetta driven by Jacob Robert Woods, age unlisted, of Wilmot Drive in Toccoa was traveling north on Crane Mountain Road, while the Impala, driven by Joseph T. Raley, age unlisted, of Scenic Drive in Toccoa, was traveling south.

The left fronts of the two vehicles made contact and the Impala was sent off of the roadway into the creek.
Jarrell said first responders moved into action quickly.

“Stephens County EMS personnel and officers with the Toccoa Police Department were able to pick the vehicle up enough, because it was filling with water, and break windows to be able to cut the safety belts and harnesses to free the individuals that were trapped inside the vehicle,” said Jarrell.

The driver of the Impala, Raley, as well as two passengers, identified as 72-year-old Martha Raley and 39-year-old Leland Raley, both of Scenic Drive, were injured and transported to the hospital.

Woods, the driver of the Jetta, was not injured.  The police report stated that Woods was cited for driving too fast for conditions and having an expired registration.

Jarrell said he commends the efforts of first responders on the scene.

He lists officers on scene as Corporal Gary Bryson, Corporal Charles Myers, Officer Steven Faulkner, and Officer Kevin Griffin.

Meanwhile, Stephens County EMS reports its individuals on scene were Bobby Westmoreland, Warren Masten, Willie Stephens, Josh Smith, and Chris Stephens.