Johnny Merrell

Name:
Merrell, Johnny Lynn

Date of Booking:
07/27/2026

Reason(s) For Booking:
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

SIMPLE ASSAULT – FAMILY VIOLENCE

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 Friday July 24, 2026, I, Deputy Ellington 522, was assigned to Gilmer Sheriff’s Office UPD. At 15:32 hours, I was requested to meet Detective K. Champion at the Criminal Investigation Office in reference to a Domestic. I responded Code 1 non-emergency traffic (no lights no siren) Unit #1524 Body camera activated. I notified Dispatch and collected a case number (2607-12861).

Upon my arrival, I met Detective Champion and Mrs. [VICTIM #1]. Mrs. [VICTIM #1] stated that she learned on Thursday July 16, 2026, from Mr. [REDACTED] that her husband Mr. Johnny Merrell was having an affair with Mr. [REDACTED]’s wife, Mrs. [REDACTED]. Mrs. [VICTIM #1] stated that when Mr. [REDACTED] told her about the affair, he made threats that he was going to kill them both, (Johnny and [REDACTED]). Mrs. [VICTIM #1] stated that she tried calming Mr. [REDACTED] down. Mrs. [VICTIM #1] stated that she confronted Mr. Merrell and they have been in arguments since.

Mrs. [VICTIM #1] stated that on Thursday July 23, 2026. She was called by a friend, Mrs. [WITNESS #1]. Mrs. [WITNESS #1] said that her husband, Johnny, was at the Dollar General on Big Creek Road. Mrs. [VICTIM #1] stated that this is Mrs. [REDACTED] employer. Mrs. [VICTIM #1] traveled to the Dollar General and confronted Mr. Merrell. Mrs. [VICTIM #1] stated that Mr. Merrell was under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Mrs. [VICTIM #1] was outside Mr. Merrell’s Ram truck window with her arm inside the window. Mr. Merrell told her to let go and then he took off at a high rate of speed, causing Mrs. [VICTIM #1] to lose her balance.

Mrs. [VICTIM #1] stated that Mrs. [WITNESS #1] and her son Mr. [WITNESS #2] witnessed this incident. Mr. [WITNESS #2] recorded the incident on his phone. Mrs. [VICTIM #1] showed the video to Detective Champion and Deputy Ellington. You could see the danger of the incident and Mrs. [VICTIM #1] falling and running to keep her balance. Mrs. [VICTIM #1] stated that Mr. Merrell traveled to their residence at [5600 BLOCK] Big Creek Road. Mrs. [VICTIM #1] stated that the arguing and cussing continued throughout the night, and they fought over the keys to Mr. Merrell’s crotch rocket (motorcycle). Mrs. [VICTIM #1] stated that she was afraid of him driving because of him being so intoxicated. Mrs. [VICTIM #1] stated that he left and returned with another key to the motorcycle.

Mrs. [VICTIM #1] stated that at 01:07 hours Mr. Merrell continued yelling outside, driving his truck through the yard, and shot a firearm in the direction of the house. This was recorded on Mrs. [VICTIM #1]’s cell phone and witnessed by their daughter, Ms. [VICTIM #2]. Detective Champion and I viewed that video, and you can clearly see and hear Mr. Merrell. Detective Champion and I witnessed the shot from the firearm; you can see the flash of the gun as it fired in the direction of the house. Mrs. [VICTIM #1] stated that he shot one more time, but she did not have it recorded. Mrs. [VICTIM #1] and [VICTIM #2] were in fear for their lives due to the incident. At 02:14 hours, Mrs. [VICTIM #1] had a recording of Mr. Merrell yelling, “You going to call the PoPo?” and saying, “Your life is going to be miserable, bit*h”.

Mrs. [VICTIM #1] discovered today that Mr. Merrell had destroyed the security camera from the residence and turned donuts into the yard, destroying the yard. Mr. Merrell had also painted Life’s a bit*h, JC is a pus*y, 50/50 and painted a picture of a vagi*a on their shop wall and door. Mrs. [VICTIM #1] also has photos of this damage. Mrs. [VICTIM #1] emailed these videos and pictures along with text messages to Detective Champion [REDACTED] for evidence.

Mr. Merrell and Mrs. [VICTIM #1]’s property consists of two houses and the workshop. Their son [REDACTED] and his wife, [REDACTED], and their 2 small children live at [5600 BLOCK] Big Creek Road. This house is between the shop and [5600 BLOCK] Big Creek Road. Mrs. [VICTIM #1] stated that their son and his family were present last night during this incident. I have been unable to make contact with them.

At 17:19, I met with Mrs. [WITNESS #1] and Mr. [WITNESS #2] at the Dollar General on Big Creek Road. Mrs. [WITNESS #1] and her son provided written statements about the incident at the Dollar General Store. Mrs. [WITNESS #1] stated that she was afraid that Mr. Merrell was going to run Mrs. [VICTIM #1] over. Mr. [WITNESS #2] was requested to email the video to [REDACTED]. This interaction was recorded on DFC Ellington’s body camera. I have no other information on Mr. [REDACTED] or Mrs. [REDACTED].

Mrs. [VICTIM #1] believes Mr. Johnny Merrell is on Meth and abusing alcohol.

Warrants are being applied for the arrest of Mr. Johnny Merrell for OCGA 16-5-20 Simple Assault FV and OCGA 16-5-21 Aggravated Assault.

Mrs. [VICTIM #1] was provided with the Georgia Crisis Center business card, North Ga Crisis phone number, and a Victim’s Advocate form.

[End of Narrative]