David Terry

Name:
Terry, David Dewayne

Date of Booking:
11/19/2025

Reason(s) For Booking:
Battery, Family Violence (1st Offense)

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 11/19/2025, I, Officer Sosa, responded to [200 BLOCK] Henderson St., Apartment [REDACTED], in reference to an assault that had occurred at that location. Dispatch advised that the victim, [VICTIM #1], had left the residence and was currently at the Quick Stop convenience store located at 507 E. Morris St.

Upon arrival at the Quick Stop, I made contact with Ms. [VICTIM #1]. She appeared visibly upset and stated that David Dewayne Terry had taken her cell phone and punched her in the face during an argument. I asked Ms. [VICTIM #1] to explain exactly what had occurred.

Ms. [VICTIM #1] stated that she is currently living with David Terry at [200 BLOCK] Henderson St., Apt. [REDACTED], And that they share a bedroom. She advised that there is also another roommate living in the apartment. She explained they had only lived at the residence for a few days and that she is not listed on the lease but had an arrangement with Mr. Terry that she could stay there if she paid half of the rent, which she agreed tо.

Ms. [VICTIM #1] further stated that Mr. Terry became angry with her because she refused to have sexual relations with him. During the argument, Mr. Terry punched her in the face multiple times and took her cell phone. She told me shе wanted police assistance in retrieving her belongings because she planned to move out.

I asked Ms. [VICTIM #1] if she had a romantic relationship with Mr. Terry, and she stated that they were not in an official relationship but had previously had sexual relations. She stated she was still legally married and her divorce was not finalized, and they mutually decided not to pursue a formal relationship, though they continued to share the same bedroom.

I observed and documented visible injuries to Ms. [VICTIM #1]’ face, which were consistent with her being struck by a closed fist.

I then escorted Ms. [VICTIM #1] back to the apartment to gather her belongings. Upon arrival, I observed the front door standing open. I knocked and announced myself. Mr. Terry appeared from the second floor and walked outside to speak with me.

I asked Mr. Terry if he knew why I was there, and he stated he did. When asked to explain what happened, Mr. Terry stated he and Ms. [VICTIM #1] had a verbal argument and that she had been slamming doors. He said he had invited Ms. [VICTIM #1] to live with him because she was homeless and thаt hе was trying to help her. Не claimed the argument started after she contacted his ex-girlfriend. He then gave unrelated explanations, stating their roommate complained about loud music and attempted to describe Ms. [VICTIM #1] as emotionally unstable. When I asked specifically why Ms. [VICTIM #1] had visible injuries to her face, Mr. Terry stated she must have “punched herself” and denied striking her.

I then attempted to speak with the neighbor, who stated he did not want to bе involved but confirmed that Ms. [VICTIM #1] and Mr. Terry had only lived there for approximately 14 days and that they argue daily. He stated he was sleeping when he woke to the sound of a struggle and slamming doors. Shortly after, Ms. [VICTIM #1] knocked on his door. He advised he opened the door and asked them to quiet down. He stated Ms. [VICTIM #1] then walked down the street, and police arrived shortly after. He did not wish to provide further involvement.

I then spoke again with Ms. [VICTIM #1], who provided additional details. She stated the roommate had earlier asked her to turn down the TV volume, which she did, and the argument ended quickly as the roommate left for work with Mr. Terry. After Mr. Terry returned, he confronted her alone in the bedroom and told her she needed to move out. She agreed but told him she needed until friday to pack. She stated Mr. Terry attempted to force her to leave immediately, and during the argument, he slapped her in the face while she was sitting on a stool. When she stood up and tried to walk away, Mr. Terry followed her. She attempted to go into a different room, but Mr. Terry forced the door open before she could close it and punched her in the face with his right hand.

Ms. [VICTIM #1] then ran to the neighbor’s door, consistent with the neighbor’s earlier statement. She stated that while she attempted to call police, Mr. Terry ripped her cell phone from her hand and threw it somewhere in the apartment. Shе added that Mr. Terry pushed her in the parking lot, causing her to fall, and the neighbor stepped in, allowing her the opportunity to flee and run to the quick stop store to call for help.

I attempted to further question Mr. Terry; however, he refused to directly answer questions, frequently changed the subject, and was evasive in his responses.

Based on Ms. [VICTIM #1]’ detailed statements, her visible injuries, corroborating information provided by the neighbor, and the established fact that she and Mr. Terry live together in the same household, I determined there was probable cause that David Dewayne Terry committed family violence battery in violation of O.C.G.A. 16-5-23.1(f).

Mr. Terry was advised he was under arrest for family violence battery. He was placed in handcuffs, searched incident to arrest, and secured in the back seat of my patrol vehicle. The back seat of my patrol car was searched before and after transport.

Upon arrival at the Whitfield County Jail, my firearm was properly secured before entry. I transferred custody of Mr. Terry and his property to the booking staff. I then contacted the Whitfield County on-call judge and submitted warrant W25-1912 for the charge, which was approved and served.

Ms. [VICTIM #1] was then allowed to retrieve her belongings, and she located her cell phone inside the apartment. I provided her with available domestic violence victim resources and information for further assistance.

[End of Narrative]