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An elderly gentleman flashed a sly grin for his mugshot following his arrest linked to a hit-and-run incident involving a group of cyclists, which was captured on video.
Seventy-two-year-old Jerry Wayne Ross is facing charges for allegedly using his Honda Pilot to commit the hit-and-run, an event that unfolded on April 23 in Cherokee County, Georgia, as reported by Fox 5 Atlanta.
During the North Georgia Cycling Association’s regular Thursday evening ride, the driver allegedly approached the cyclists aggressively in what is believed to be a road-rage episode.
Richard Collins, the group’s leader, recounted to Fox 5 Atlanta how the dark SUV followed closely and blared its horn incessantly.
“It was just excessive,” Collins shared with the news outlet. “The horn just wouldn’t stop.”
The hit-and-run was caught-on-camera after a driver allegedly hit a cyclist participating in a group ride in Georgia on Thursday, April 13. (WAGA-TV)
The incident was caught on camera as the black Honda Pilot struck the cyclists with his vehicle after honking at them.
The group of cyclists, who fell following the clash, collided into the side of the SUV and fell onto the pavement.
“I turned to my left to see it, at that moment, that vehicle was on my left leg,” Collins said.
In the video, the vehicle is seen speeding away.
Richard Collins, leader of a North Georgia Cycling Association group ride, told WAGA-TV that an aggressive driver followed the cyclists for two minutes while honking continuously. According to Collins, the vehicle’s side mirror clipped a cyclist behind him before striking Collins directly, knocking him from his bike. (WAGA-TV)
Collins said he sustained road rash on his shoulder, elbow and knee and was treated by paramedics who were called to the scene. He later visited an orthopedist who discovered a fracture of his lower spine.
Cherokee County Sheriff’s officials arrested Ross at a neighbor’s house nearby. Ross faces six charges, including hit-and-run, aggressive driving, and failing to maintain a safe distance from a bicycle.
“I just hope this experience will raise awareness to the rules of the road, for cyclists, and how drivers should allow for the 3 feet distance in safe passing,” Collins said.
Jerry Ross, 72, was taken into custody and charged with two counts of aggravated assault, hit-and-run, reckless driving, aggressive driving, and failure to maintain a safe distance from a bicycle. (Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office)
In a statement, the North Georgia Cycling Association thanked law enforcement and emergency services for “their swift response and professionalism.”
“We encourage all road users to follow the rules of the road, stay alert, and respect one another. Sharing the road responsibly helps keep everyone safe,” they said. “We also encourage everyone to treat one another with care, patience and kindness – on and off the road. Most importantly, we are thankful that those involved made it home safely to their loved ones.”
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