GAINESVILLE - Forsyth County authorities have taken a "hostile subject" into custody who was shooting a firearm in a residential area near Bethel Park.
Deputy Doug Rainwater said a female called and reported that her significant other was at home with a shot gun.
When deputies arrived, the male suspect, later identified as 50 year old Kenneth Mercer, pointed the shot gun at deputies, said Rainwater.
"They took cover, we called in for additional deputies, we surrounded the house and he refused to drop the shot gun," Rainwater said. "He continued to make gestures towards our deputies with a shot gun and we called in our SWAT team and a negotiation team. About 45 minutes after this started, we were able to get a deputy close enough to him to taze him while he was still holding the shot gun."
Rainwater said the fire arm was not discharged in the subdivision on Swiss Air Road. He said Mercer was at a medical center undergoing evaluation.
"He was there, we believe, to engage us into a shooting," Rainwater said, noting that authorities had previously responded to medical-related calls at that address.
"Our deputies were very cautious... we took care of business. Thankfully, no one was harmed and this man is currently receiving some help."
Saturday
July 12th, 2025
8:45AM
