Desiree Merrick

Name:
Merrick, Desiree May

Date of Booking:
12/31/2025

Reason(s) For Booking:
Terroristic Threats and Acts (Felony)

Aggravated Assault

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.]

On December 31st, 2025, at approximately 2052 hours, I (Deputy Wright S122) was dispatched to a dispute between neighbors at [800 BLOCK] Windward Rd. The text of the call stated that the complainant’s female neighbor was pointing a firearm at them and threatening to shoot them. Upon my arrival, I met with the complainant, [VICTIM #1], and [WITNESS #1] at [800 BLOCK] Windward Rd.

[VICTIM #1], the resident of [800 BLOCK] Windward Dr, was having a small party with approximately 10-15 guests. When I arrived, these 10-15 people were all standing in the driveway next to a space heater, causing no disturbance. [VICTIM #1] stated that she has a restraining order against her neighbor, Desiree Merrick. [VICTIM #1] said she has constant issues with Desiree, which prompted her to obtain a restraining order. [VICTIM #1] said that while having her small party and shooting off a couple of fireworks, Desiree came outside on her front porch ([800 BLOCK] Windward Dr) and had been screaming at her and her guests.

At some point, both [VICTIM #1] and [WITNESS #1] said that Desiree came outside with what they believed to be a shotgun. Both [VICTIM #1] and [WITNESS #1] said that Desiree started pointing the gun at them and the crowd and was yelling, “I’m gonna blow your fu*king head off”. [VICTIM #1] recorded a video of Desiree on her front porch. I reviewed the video and observed the following: I saw Desiree come out onto the front porch holding what appeared to be a camo colored rifle. Desiree can be heard yelling and pointing her finger at [VICTIM #1] and her guest. During the video, Desiree aims with the rifle and points it directly at the crowd of people while yelling. Due to everyone talking, it is hard to make out what Desiree is saying, but it’s very apparent that she was irate and was directing her statements towards [VICTIM #1] and her guests.

After reviewing the video taken by [VICTIM #1], Desiree comes outside of her residence and begins screaming and yelling towards [VICTIM #1] and her guests again. Because Desiree was seen on video pointing a firearm at [VICTIM #1], [WITNESS #1], and others while shouting threats to shoot “blow your fu*king head off.” I developed probable cause to place Desiree under arrest for Aggravated Assault and Terroristic Threats. At that point, Lt. Guest, Deputy Simmons, and I approached Desiree and placed her under arrest. She was placed in handcuffs (double locked and checked for fit). When taking Desiree into custody, it was very apparent that she was heavily intoxicated and under the influence of alcohol.

Desiree was secured in the rear of my patrol vehicle with handcuffs. I attempted to read Desiree her Miranda warning to question her about this case. After reading Miranda, Desiree stated that she did not understand her rights. I attempted to read her Miranda warning again, and she continued to say she didn’t understand her rights or anything that was happening.

While still on scene, [REDACTED] (resident of [800 BLOCK] Windward Rd) arrived on scene. [REDACTED] consented to a search of his residence in an attempt to locate the firearm Desiree was using on video. According to [REDACTED], the only gun that had been moved was a camo Stoeger Mod X50 pellet gun. This pellet gun appeared to match what was seen on video, but was sitting next to multiple actual firearms, which were enclosed in a case. This pellet gun was taken as evidence, and a property receipt was left with [REDACTED].

I then transported Desiree to the Barrow County Detention Center. While on the way to jail, Desiree made several spontaneous utterances, saying that the people outside deserved to be shot and that she had a gun because she was defending her home. She made more utterances about how her dog has cancer, and she asked them not to shoot fireworks and upset her dog. Desiree was released to the jail staff on duty.

I changed locations to the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office and submitted the pellet gun into evidence. I also submitted the video taken by [VICTIM #1] into evidence. I later applied for warrants against Desiree for Aggravated Assault and Terroristic Threats.

[End of Narrative]