The Calhoun Police Department has released additional information regarding a traffic stop earlier this week that resulted in an arrest and temporarily shut down traffic near the Yellow Jacket Drive-In.
According to the department’s official report, at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, Gordon County 911 alerted law enforcement agencies to be on the lookout for a 2011 silver Toyota Tacoma pickup truck with front and rear damage and bearing a Georgia license plate. Authorities advised that the driver of the vehicle was wanted in connection with charges of child molestation.
Roughly 10 minutes later, a detective with the Calhoun Police Department located the vehicle in the area of Highway 53 Spur and Forrest Heights. Officers initiated a traffic stop at the intersection of Highway 53 Spur and Crest Drive.
Due to the nature of the reported charges, an officer drew his agency-issued weapon while the stop was conducted. The driver, identified as William McFarland, was given verbal commands by Gordon County Patrol units. Police reported that McFarland complied with all commands, was placed in handcuffs, and searched without incident.
McFarland was then turned over to Gordon County Patrol units and a Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent. The vehicle was subsequently towed from the scene.
According to public records, McFarland was booked into the Whitfield County Jail on Feb. 3, 2026. He is charged with two counts of child molestation.
The incident caused a temporary disruption to traffic in the area while law enforcement secured the scene and completed the arrest.