84-Year-Old Clarkesville Man Arrested After Alleged Road Rage Incident in Habersham County

HABERSHAM COUNTY, Ga. – An 84-year-old Clarkesville man remains in custody following an alleged road rage incident that occurred Wednesday afternoon in Habersham County, according to the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office.

Officials said Jesse Lafayette Parker turned himself in Wednesday afternoon and was arrested on three counts of aggravated assault and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Parker is currently being held at the Habersham County Detention Center.

In addition to the charges filed by the sheriff’s office, the Georgia State Patrol has charged Parker with hit and run, failure to stop and render aid, and passing in a no-passing zone.

According to investigators, the incident occurred around 2 p.m. when deputies were dispatched to a reported hit-and-run at Cornelia Christian Church on the 441 Bypass in Cornelia. Authorities said the victim was traveling east on Level Grove Road near the Georgia 365 southbound ramp when a Mercury Grand Marquis driven by Parker stopped in the roadway to allow another vehicle to turn onto the ramp.

After the victim honked his horn, Parker allegedly turned onto the southbound ramp, then re-entered traffic on Level Grove Road, following the victim while honking his horn. The victim reported that Parker appeared to have a hatchet hanging out of the driver’s side window.

The victim told deputies he pulled off the roadway to allow Parker to pass, but Parker allegedly swerved into his lane and struck his vehicle. The victim then followed Parker until he turned into the Quality Foods Shopping Center parking lot. There, Parker was reportedly standing with his vehicle door open and aiming a shotgun at the victim. Parker then left the area without further incident, and the victim contacted 911.

After a lookout was issued, authorities said Parker called and informed them he was putting away groceries and would turn himself in. At approximately 3 p.m., Parker arrived and was taken into custody without incident. Investigators said the victim and Parker did not know each other.

Parker’s bond has been set at $15,000.