Crime & Safety
Marietta Motorcyclist Killed in Head-On Collision
A teen and his mom were arrested by Cherokee authorities in connection with the Wednesday head-on collision that killed a Marietta motorcyclist.
Derrick Ferree, 24, of Marietta was killed in the in Woodstock.
Giovanni Aragon-Mercado, 19, crossed the center line in an SUV and struck the motorcycle driven by Ferree on Bascomb Carmel Road at approximately 5 p.m. Wednesday, said Lt. Jay Baker of the .
Ferree was transported to in Marietta where he later died from his injuries. Mercado survived with no injuries.
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The Cherokee Sheriff’s Office arrested Mercado Thursday afternoon.
"It appears Mercado fell asleep at the wheel," Baker said.
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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 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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