Additional Charges Expected After Shotgun Pointed at Deputies, Neighbors

Charges are pending for a Forsyth County man who reportedly pointed a shotgun at officials on Thursday, according to the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office.

Kenneth Mercer, 50, of the 8300 block of Swiss Air Road off Bethel Road in northeast Forsyth, was reportedly seen walking around his front yard, allegedly pointing a shotgun at people.

Mercer faces four counts of aggravated assault against a peace officer with additional charges pending.

Officials responded to the area around 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office news release. Mercer reportedly pointed his shotgun at the deputies upon their arrival and ignored multiple commands to put down his weapon, according to the sheriff’s office.

Deputies called in the SWAT team and Crisis Negotiation team after evacuating nearby residences and securing the perimeter around Mercer’s home. Negotiations led to Mercer surrendering and he was taken into custody.

Officials say evidence on scene shows Mercer did fire a weapon, but it was not aimed at the deputies.

Mer is being held at Forsyth County Detention Center on an $88,440 bond. 

-- Photo: Kenneth Mercer, 50, of the 8300 block of Swiss Air Road. Photo courtesy of the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office.