Terry Mercer

Name:
Mercer, Terry Michael

Date of Booking:
11/27/2025

Reason(s) For Booking:
RECKLESS DRIVING

FALSE REPORT OF A CRIME

Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]

[NARRATIVE #1 on September 11, 2025]

On September 11th, 2025 at approximately 20:25, Deputy Dempsey was on duty with the Banks County Sheriff’s Office when he responded to an accident on I-85 Northbound near mile marker 151.

I responded to the accident and initially met with the driver of a red Chevrolet Cruze, Terry Mercer, at his vehicle. I asked Terry what had happened to which he stated that he had passed the victim, [REDACTED BY AGENCY] vehicle on the right then merged in front of him. Terry then stated that he began slowing down for traffic when [REDACTED BY AGENCY] hit him in the trunk area of his vehicle.

I then spoke with [REDACTED BY AGENCY] who stated that he was in the left lane and had just passed another vehicle, when Terry passed his vehicle on the right, then swerved in front of him and slammed on the brakes causing the accident. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] stated his company truck had a dash camera but he was unable to view the footage at the time.

On October 16th, 2025, I was contacted by a representative for [REDACTED BY AGENCY] who provided me the dash camera footage of the incident. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] is seen in the left lane with no immediate traffic on either side, nor in front of him for a significant distance. Terry’s vehicle is then seen passing [REDACTED BY AGENCY] on the right side, merging closely in front of him with no clear reason to do so, then abruptly apply his brakes for no necessary reason. This action directly caused the traffic collision.

Due to the video evidence proving a false statement made by Terry, warrants for Reckless Driving and False Report of a Crime to be obtained.

[End of Narrative]

[NARRATIVE #2 on November 27, 2025]

On November 27, 2025, Deputy Motes responded to I-85 MM 154 in reference to Lavonia PD having a subject in custody with warrants out of Banks County.

Deputy Motes arrived on scene and took custody of Terry from Lavonia PD. Deputy Motes handcuffed Terry behind his back, checked the handcuffs for proper-fit, and double-locked the handcuffs. Deputy Motes transported Terry to Banks County Jail and turned him over to jail staff with no further incident.

Warrants served.

[End of Narrative]