In a complaint filed in the Magistrate Court of Lora Davis, Deputy H.M. Stephens stated that on August 19th, 2025, at approximately 7:36 p.m. she was notified by Calhoun Control that a neighbor of the Gerlach family had called and
reported that the Gerlach family had come to the property line, screamed profanities at her and her daughter, and had threatened her.
After being notified of the incident, Deputy H.M. Stephens received video footage from the victim’s home security camera, which showed her walking in her yard and 3-4 individuals in the background at the fence line between the two properties. The audio captured female and male voices, both gesturing and screaming profanities in the victim’s direction. The video showed the victim walk away without engaging the other individuals.
When Deputy Stephens arrived at the caller’s residence at approximately 8:48 p.m. With Chief Deputy C.R. Stephens, the victim stated that David Gerlach had threatened to kill her and she was in fear that she would be shot. When advised of her option to file a personal safety order that night, the victim indicated that she was hesitant to leave at night due to the
fear that her house might be set on fire or her animals harmed. She also stated that her 8-year-old daughter
was present outside for the incident.
The deputy spoke to the juvenile who stated that she heard a male voice say her mother’s name, then begin shouting and calling her mother names. The juvenile further said that she was afraid that the male would shoot her dog and was so visibly upset that she did not want to walk into the yard to retrieve personal items without being escorted by officers and her mother.
The caller/victim stated she was uncomfortable leaving in the dark because the Gerlach’s could be present in
the dark. During their conversation, Deputy Stephens observed David Gerlach standing in his yard with all the lights off, watching their (deputy and victim’s) interaction.
Chief Deputy C.R. Stephens and and Deputy H.M. Stephens went next door and spoke to David and Rylie Gerlach. The two admitted to screaming obscenities at the victim after becoming upset at her post on Facebook that
they believed was directed at Rylie. Mr. Gerlach stated he told the victim, “You want trouble, you’re gonna get trouble; you want war, you’re gonna get war. Keep antagonizing it.” When advised that the victim reported he said he was going to kill her, Mr. Gerlach stated “I don’t think I ever said I was gonna kill her.”
David Gerlach was arrested and charged with Assault. He has been released on bond.
Mr. Gerlach is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
