Crime & Safety
Teen Charged in Fatal Crash
An Acworth teen and his mom were arrested by Cherokee authorities in connection with the Wednesday head-on collision that killed a Marietta motorcyclist.
The Cherokee Sheriff’s Office arrested 19-year-old Giovanni Aragon-Mercado Thursday afternoon in connection with the in Woodstock.
Mercado's SUV crossed the center line and struck a motorcycle driven by 24-year-old Derrick Ferree of Marietta on Bascomb Carmel Road at approximately 5 p.m. Wednesday, said Lt. Jay Baker of the .
Ferree was transported to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta where he later died from his injuries. Mercado survived with no injuries.
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"It appears Mercado fell asleep at the wheel," Baker said.
Mercado was charged with misdemeanor homicide by vehicle, failure to maintain lane, and violation of license restrictions.
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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 Thursday. Authorities said the mom allowed Mercado to drive her vehicle to his job Wednesday. She is charged with permitting an unlicensed person to drive.
Both suspects are currently in custody at the Cherokee Adult Detention Center. The son’s bond is set at $2,350, and the mother’s bond is $685.
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