Terence Cochran

Name:
Cochran, Terence

Date of Booking:
05/21/2025

Reason(s) For Booking:
RESTRICTIONS USE OF CENTER LANE

DUI – DRUGS

HIT AND RUN

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 5/21/2025 at approximately 1154hrs, I responded to a crash on Marietta Hwy near Anderson Ave. While responding dispatch advised the driver of an Infinity passenger car fled the scene running towards Bruster’s Ice Cream.

Upon my arrival, both cars involved were facing southbound in the left northbound lane. The driver of the black Volkswagon was still seated in the driver seat. He was complaining of side pain and requested an ambulance. I could see melted spots on the left side of his shirt near the waistband possibly from the air bag deployment. I learned the driver of the black Volkswagon, [VICTIM #1], was attempting to make a u-turn due to traffic congestion. At the same time Terence Cochran, the driver of the Infinity was attempting to go around the congestion by passing cars while driving in the center turn lane. While [VICTIM #1] was making the u-turn Terence struck the driver side front corner of [VICTIM #1]’s vehicle with his front passenger corner. It should be noted there were no entrances for Terence to turn left into within 300ft of his entrance into the turn lane. prior to the crash or after. Terence then climbed out of the passenger side window of the Infinity and fled on foot without checking on the other driver or calling 911.

A witness, [WITNESS #1] captured the incident on her dash camera. The dash camera confirmed the information I was provided in regards to the collision and Terence fleeing. Terence is seen on the video exiting the passenger window raising his hands into the air and running away from the crash southbound along Marietta Hwy.

Terence was later apprehended by Sheriff’s Office Deputies at the law offices of Dyer Rusbridge and Argo at 687 Marietta Hwy. Officer Medranda took custody of Terence and transported him back to the scene. Officer Medranda advised Terence was advised of his Miranda rights. He initially spoke with him but upon his arrival back at the scene he was invoking his right to remain silent. While moving Terence from Officer Medranda’s vehicle to mine for transport to the ADC noticed Terence’s pupils were very constricted (a sign of Opioid use). He had a very delayed response of “Yes sir.” after being told he was moving to my car. While walking him to the passenger rear seat of my vehicle. Terence asked if he was ok? I replied stating I didn’t know and asked if he thought he was ok? Trerence said “I hope so.” As he sat down it was apparent his mood was rapidly changing. He became very paranoid wanting to know who was in the front seat of my vehicle. He began telling me “No, Officer No!” as I shut the door securing him inside the vehicle.

As I began to transport him to the ADC it became more apparent he was under the influence of some type of drug. He was very paranoid about my camera being on and kept repeating the attorneys would be looking for the video. Based on the totality of his manifestations, constricted pupils, rapidly changing moods and paranoia in addition to the crash and leaving the scene I believed he was under the influence of drugs. I stopped my patrol vehicle and read him implied consent for suspects over 21 years old for a sample of his blood. He refused the test stating no. I continued my transport to the ADC.

Upon my arrival at the jail he initially refused to provided basic information such as his address. He continually repeated he knew his rights and would comply with everything with his attorney present. In between statements he sat there staring at the floor with a blank look on his face. I returned to my vehicle to complete the citations for DUI less safe drugs, Hit and Run and Improper use of Center Turn Lane. When I returned inside, Terence was cooperative and answered several questions regarding his book in sheet such as his phone number, ssn and place of birth demonstrating another change in mood. I noticed when he was handed a sweatshirt and socks he held them up in the air very ridged above his lap as he stared at the floor. He remained in this position until I exited the building a few minutes later.

I obtained a Search Warrant (25-SW-000627) for a sample of Terence’s blood to send to the GBI Crime Lab for the testing of the presence of drugs. Deputy Robles with the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office arrived to collect the samples of his blood. When I went to the holding cell Terence was still holding his clothing in the same manner. I explained the search warrant to Terence and he consented holding out his arms. Deputy Robles collected the two samples of his blood, secured them in the box and I submitted them to the GBI Crime Lab for testing.

The search warrant will be returned without delay. The video of the crash was submitted into Axon evidence.

[End of Narrative]