A Lyerly man, Terry Lamar Battles, 43, was arrested on charges of battery and cruelty to children in the third degree following a domestic dispute that allegedly turned physical. Battles reportedly became irate and made threats against an arresting deputy during transport to jail.

Chattooga County Sheriff’s deputies, including Deputy Gene Whitworth and Deputy Reynolds, responded to 134 Dogwood Drive at approximately 8:09 p.m. on September 8, 2025, regarding a physical domestic altercation. The callerinformed deputies that Terry Lamar Battles had struck her in the face and left the residence.

Deputies located Battles next door at his residence, 194 Dogwood Drive. Upon seeing the officers, Terry Battles allegedly stated he “didn’t hit” the victim and only “put his arm up to protect himself.” He was detained in a patrol car while the investigation continued.

Returning to speak with the victim, deputies were told that Terry Battles had come to her residence “talking crazy,” asking if she had a gun, and claiming people “over the road” were talking about shooting them. She stated that when he “gets like this,” it’s best for him to leave, and as she walked him towards the door, he allegedly punched her on the right cheek. Deputies noted redness on her cheek and observed a scratch on her right forearm, which the victim stated was also inflicted by him.

The victim confirmed to deputies that an 8-year-old juvenile was present and witnessed the alleged attack.

Terry Battles was then advised he was under arrest for simple battery and cruelty to children. According to the report, he became “irate and cursing” the deputy. During transportation to the jail, he allegedly continued to yell, curse, and told the deputy “someone should shoot my old ass,” and stated “the cops in this county was stupid.” Deputy Whitworth reportedly warned Battles that threats could lead to additional charges.

Battles, identified as a white male, 43 years old, was booked into the Chattooga County Jail without further incident on charges of Battery and Cruelty to Children 3rd Degree/Misdemeanor.