Wild video captures elderly driver Jerry Ross, 72, crashing into group of cyclists on Georgia road – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
Cherokee County, Georgia — A routine group bike ride turned perilous when a 72-year-old driver accelerated into a cluster of cyclists, knocking one off his bike and fracturing his spine before fleeing the scene. The entire episode unfolded on video captured by one of the riders, providing crucial evidence that led to the driver’s quick arrest. Authorities identified the man as Jerry Wayne Ross of Woodstock, who now faces multiple felony charges stemming from what appeared to be a road rage confrontation.[1][2]
The Roadside Confrontation Escalates
On a Thursday evening last week, ten cyclists from the North Georgia Cycling Association pedaled along Sugar Pike Road during a planned 32-mile group ride. Jerry Ross approached the group from behind in his vehicle and began honking his horn aggressively for nearly two minutes while yelling at the riders for occupying the roadway. One cyclist at the rear started recording the interaction, capturing Ross’s escalating frustration as he laid on the horn and heckled the group.[2]
With no oncoming traffic in sight, Ross suddenly sped around the cyclists. His vehicle’s side mirror clipped one rider positioned behind the group leader, Richard Collins. The momentum carried forward, striking Collins directly and sending him crashing to the pavement. Ross then accelerated away, leaving the injured riders behind in a clear hit-and-run.[1]
Serious Injuries Emerge from the Crash
Paramedics treated both struck cyclists at the scene for what initially seemed like minor injuries. Road rash covered Richard Collins’s shoulder, elbow, and knee after he tumbled from his bike. However, further medical evaluation revealed a more severe outcome: an orthopedist diagnosed Collins with a fracture in his lower spine.[2]
Collins, who led the ride, later reflected on the close call. “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,” he said. The video not only documented the strikes but also preserved the license plate number, enabling deputies to trace Ross swiftly.[2]
Arrest Follows Trail of Evidence
Deputies from the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office used the video footage to identify Ross’s vehicle and located him shortly after at a nearby home. Investigators noted damage on his car consistent with the collision. When questioned, Ross acknowledged the encounter but shifted blame to the cyclists, claiming they blocked the road and caused the impact.[1]
Authorities took Ross into custody without incident. He now faces six serious charges, including:
- Two counts of aggravated assault
- Hit-and-run
- Reckless driving
- Aggressive driving
- Failure to maintain a safe distance from a bicycle
Ross remains held at the Cherokee County Detention Center on no bond, according to Captain Jay Baker of the sheriff’s office.[1]
Prior Tensions on Sugar Pike Road
The incident did not mark Ross’s first grievance with cyclists on the route. Records showed he had called 911 multiple times previously to complain about bike groups using Sugar Pike Road. He also filed formal complaints with the sheriff’s office, voicing repeated frustration over shared road space.[3]
One of the riders, Scott Hager, described Ross’s demeanor during the event. “This guy was angry,” Hager told reporters. The confrontation highlighted ongoing debates about cyclists and motorists navigating narrow rural roads together, where passing laws require a minimum three-foot buffer.[3]
As legal proceedings advance, the episode serves as a stark reminder of how quickly tempers can ignite on shared roadways. Richard Collins’s recovery continues, but the fracture serves as a lasting testament to the human cost of impatience behind the wheel. Authorities urge all road users to exercise caution and respect, potentially averting future close calls in Cherokee County’s winding lanes.
