Crime & Safety

Witnesses of Fatal Crash Sought

The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office arrested a Woodstock mom and her 19-year-old son in connection with a May 2 head-on collision that killed a Marietta motorcyclist.

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"Witnesses to the accident have given investigators conflicting accounts about the events leading up to the collision," said Lt. Jay Baker, spokesman for the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office. "Traffic investigators are asking any witnesses not previously identified to come forward and contact Major Edward Lacey at 770-345-1700 extension 2."

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Last month,  in connection with the .

Mercado's silver Lincoln Navigator crossed the center line and struck a motorcycle driven by 24-year-old Derrick Ferree of Marietta on Bascomb Carmel Road at approximately 4:52 p.m. May 2, said Lt. Jay Baker of the .

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Ferree was transported to in Marietta where he later died from his injuries. Mercado survived with no injuries.

"It appears Mercado fell asleep at the wheel," Baker told Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch last month.

Mercado was charged with misdemeanor homicide by vehicle, failure to maintain lane, and violation of license restrictions.

Mercado had a learner’s permit only and was not licensed to drive alone. Mercado’s mother, 38-year-old Perla Mercado of Woodstock, was also arrested. Authorities said the mom allowed Mercado to drive her vehicle to his job. She was charged with permitting an unlicensed person to drive.


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