Terell Simpson

Name:
Simpson, Terell Devonn

Date of Booking:
02/15/2026

Reason(s) For Booking:
HIT AND RUN/ LEAVING THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT

POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA-MISDEMEANOR

SUSPENDED CANCELED OR REVOKED VEHICLE REGISTRATION

OPEN CONTAINER OF ALCOHOL IN PASSENGER AREA OF VEHICLE

Driving Without a Valid License or Wrong Class

OBSTRUCTION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER (MISD)

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 February 15, 2026, at 0416 hours, I, Deputy Ashley Henriquez (310), was in the area of Sibley Road and Gordon Highway conducting neighborhood patrol when I observed a black Ford F-150 pickup truck bearing a Georgia tag of [REDACTED] exit the Circle K gas station at the corner of the intersection and enter the public roadway, traveling on Sibley Road away from Gordon Highway. I received information from Deputy Cameron Brownlee (Unit 330) advising that the driver of this vehicle may possibly be intoxicated.

I observed the driver’s behavior as the vehicle turned into a residence at [2100 BLOCK] Sibley Rd in an apparent attempt to evade law enforcement contact. I checked the vehicle registration through GCIC/NCIC and confirmed the vehicle did not have valid registration.

I initiated a traffic stop by activating my blue lights behind the vehicle, which was already parked at the location stated above. The driver immediately exited the vehicle. The male subject was later identified as Terell Devonn Simpson. Mr. Simpson was unsteady on his feet and appeared to be intoxicated. While speaking with Mr. Simpson, I detected a strong odor commonly associated with marijuana emitting from his person.

Mr. Simpson was informed that he was being detained for a traffic stop and was not free to leave. While speaking with Mr. Simpson, I determined he was uncooperative and told me to wait when I asked him to present his driver’s license. Mr. Simpson admitted he did not have a valid driver’s license and provided a Florida identification card.

Mr. Simpson was argumentative, and due to his behavior, the odor associated with intoxication, and his demeanor, he was placed in handcuffs for officer safety and to prevent possible evasion or combative behavior. Mr. Simpson was advised he was under arrest for operating a vehicle while unlicensed, a violation of OCGA 40-5-20.

During a search incident to arrest, I located a clear bag containing a green leafy substance in Mr. Simpson’s right front pocket. Other miscellaneous items were removed from his person.

Due to the odor of alcohol emitting from Mr. Simpson’s person, I requested a Traffic Unit. Deputies determined that due to Mr. Simpson’s uncooperative behavior and him being placed into custody prior to a full evaluation, the traffic unit was unable to evaluate him further.

Mr. Simpson’s information was run through Records, which confirmed he was unlicensed. While I was in full Richmond County Sheriff’s Office uniform and discharging my duties, Mr. Simpson failed to comply with commands to enter the patrol vehicle and resisted lawful orders. Mr. Simpson was advised that failure to comply would result in an obstruction charge. Due to his continued noncompliance, I had to push him into the vehicle.

I approached the vehicle Mr. Simpson had been operating and detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. Upon opening the door, the odor of burnt marijuana was strong, indicating recent use inside the vehicle. In the back seat, within arm’s reach, I observed a large bottle of Lunazul tequila containing liquid, in violation of Georgia’s open container law.

The owner of the residence at [2100 BLOCK] also came out during the traffic stop and stated he did not know who Mr. Simpson was and also advised that he wanted Mr. Simpson’s vehicle removed from his property.

Mr. Simpson remained in the rear of my patrol vehicle while we awaited a tow truck. Fulcher’s Towing later took possession of the vehicle. While seated in the rear of my patrol vehicle, Mr. Simpson continuously kicked inside the vehicle, screamed, and acted disorderly.

Mr. Simpson also continuously made phone calls on his smartwatch and failed to comply with lawful orders to release the watch. Deputies forcibly removed the watch from Mr. Simpson’s possession due to his continued noncompliance, which further hindered me from completing required documentation while discharging my duties, constituting additional obstruction.

Mr. Simpson was transported to RCJ, where he again became resistive and failed to exit the vehicle when instructed, resulting in multiple jail deputies assisting to gain compliance. Mr. Simpson was released into the custody of jail staff.

The green leafy substance located on Mr. Simpson was field tested at 400 Walton Way and tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The substance was placed in the drug drop box and stored for evidence at this location (property receipt number 545690).

Mr. Simpson was issued citations for operating a vehicle with suspended registration, possession of marijuana less than one ounce, driving while unlicensed, and open container.

A warrant for Obstruction was applied for and obtained and then sent over to the Jail by Records Clerk [REDACTED].

[End of Narrative]