PRESS RELEASE – On February 9th, 2026, Swain County 911 received a report of a stolen vehicle that had been taken in Georgia and was traveling eastbound on Highway 19/74.

Swain County Deputies, along with Sheriff Brian Kirkland, located the vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The vehicle initially failed to stop for the blue lights and siren. Deputies then safely executed a rolling roadblock, which ultimately brought the vehicle to a stop.

Deputies arrested the driver, identified as 53-year-old Terry Benard Sheppard of Charleston, Georgia.

Sheppard has been charged with the following:
• Possession of a stolen motor vehicle
• Failure to stop for blue lights and sirens
• Driving while license revoked
• Fugitive warrant for larceny of a motor vehicle out of Georgia

Sheppard is currently being held at the Swain County Detention Center under no bond.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Sheriff Kirkland would like to commend the deputies involved for their quick response and safe handling of this incident.