Marietta Police said Thursday that six people have been arrested after gunfire broke out an an apartment complex in East Marietta, followed by a law enforcement pursuit that ended with a crashed BMW.
Police said that two people who suffered gunshot wounds in the incident have been discharged from Kennestone Hospital.
Marietta Police said they were called to the Lakeside at Town Center complex at 425 Williams Drive, off Bells Ferry Road, around 10 p.m. Wednesday, after residents reported hearing gunfire.
Police said one of the callers said bullets entered her unit, but she was not struck, and that several vehicles and apartments were damaged by the gunfire.
Others described a vehicle leaving the scene as a black BMW sedan, according to police, and patrol units located it on Polk Street and Mountain View Road in Marietta.
After a police chase began the driver of the BMW lost control, and the car crashed into a power pole near that intersection and overturned, according to police, who said all six occupants of the vehicle were taken into custody.
Police said they also found four weapons in the car: three handguns and a rifle.
The suspects are Artavious Corley, 19, and Arthur Stanley, 18, both of an East Cobb address in Marietta; Charles Eliot, 20, of Canton; Dorian Santos, 18, of Canton; Arshad Head, 23, of Dallas; and Alexander Gonzales-Mendoza; 18, of Canton.
All six were charged with felony aggravated assault with intent to commit murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, according to police, who said they are being held without bond at the Cobb Adult Detention Center.
Marietta Police said the investigation continues and that anyone with information is asked call 770-794-5200 or Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta (404-577-8477).
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Cobb commissioners and public safety leaders officially open Cobb Police Precinct 6 Friday. (ECN photos and video)
After more than a decade of planning, cajoling and hustling by county officials to put together funding and complete construction, a Cobb Police precinct in Northeast Cobb has opened to the public.
At a Friday morning ribbon-cutting for Precinct 6, Commissioner JoAnn Birrell noted that the flagpoles had just gone up a couple days before.
Most of the offices and rooms inside the new facility are unoccupied, save a small staff comprising the Cobb Police DUI Task Force.
Located off Gordy Parkway near Sandy Plains Road and the Mountain View Aquatic Center at 3141 Hong Way, Precinct 6 will eventually include patrol officers in an area of East Cobb that is a good distance from Precinct 4, on Lower Roswell Road.
Precinct 4 stretches from Canton Road to the Powers Ferry Road corridor.
Cobb Police’s current coverage map, with most of East Cobb in Precinct 4.
With a presence in Northeast Cobb, “we can be a little more local,” Cobb Police Chief Stuart VanHoozer said of the aim to better-serve the public for emergencies as well as routine matters, like picking up police reports.
There’s part-time staff on hand for that purpose now, but the mission of the precinct—to become full-service–is a longer-term prospect.
“This is a dream come true,” said Birrell, who has been pushing for a precinct in her District 3 for years.
“Even though it’s not a full-fledged precinct yet, you’re still covered. You haven’t missed a beat.”
Citizens can go to Precinct 6 to file an incident report and receive a copy of one, do vehicle identification number (VIN) checks, hold community meetings, conduct online safe sales, obtain vehicle releases and speak with an officer.
Hours are daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In 2023, commissioners approved $7.7 million to complete a Precinct 6 project that was initially budgeted for $5 million in 2016 Cobb SPLOST funds. But construction cost increases delayed the opening.
When commissioners approved the additional $2.2 million in spending in 2023, the building was only 60 percent complete, with most of the interior build-out still to come.
Most of Birrell’s district now includes coverage by Precinct 4, commanded by Maj. Brian Batterton, who will be overseeing the phased expansion of Precinct 6 operations.
Commissioner JoAnn Birrell calls the opening of Precinct 6 “a dream come true.”
Precinct 4 has 18 patrol “beats,” or coverage zones, while Precinct 1 in Northwest Cobb has 8 beats, and public safety officials admit both are stretched thin, both in geography and staffing.
A possible scenario once Precinct 6 is fully operational would be to have each of those three precincts with six beats apiece.
“As the county continues to grow, more public safety services will be needed,” Cobb Public Safety Director Mike Register said. “When you look at the population growth here you really can see it’s needed.”
The ability to decrease response times is among the driving factors, as is the ability to retain emergency equipment that can’t be put in each patrol car.
While Friday’s grand opening (which included lunch courtesy of Williamson Bros. BBQ) is the first phase of the Precinct 6 build out, the timetable for the next steps is fluid.
Retiring Cobb Police Chief Stuart VanHoozer said the department has 60 officer openings.
The second phase will be to take a few beats from Precincts 1 and 4 and move them to Precinct 6.
VanHoozer, who is retiring at the end of the month after 35 years with Cobb Police, said it’s possible two beats from each could start up that process, possibly by the end of next year, depending on the department’s hiring and retention success.
The Cobb Police Department has around 700 sworn officers, and is around 60 officers short.
He said that’s a lot less than the department has had in recent years, but challenges remain filling them, like many law enforcement agencies are experiencing.
The third phase would be a fully operational precinct with a command staff similar to the existing five precincts.
That too depends on what staffing will look like, and VanHoozer said a comprehensive analysis will likely take place to reallocate beat resources across the county.
In touting Birrell’s work to see Precinct 6 become a reality, Commissioner Monique Sheffield said her colleague “understands that safe neighborhoods are a bedrock of any community.
“It’s more than a building. Let’s continue to build a strong and safer Cobb County.”
An office for a sergeant with the Cobb Police DUI Task Force.
Cobb Police is selling K-9 plush toys to support the 11 units in the department.Rose, a Cobb Police K-9 dog, greets a citizen.
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Ron Storey, who has been the Cobb County School District Department’s police chief since 2013, has died.
The department announced the news on a social media posting Thursday, but provided no details, saying “Chief Storey was an exceptional leader and individual, who cherished his family and work family.”
The Cobb school district did not disclose a cause of death in response to a message for information from East Cobb News.
A district spokeswoman sent the following response Thursday night:
“Our hearts are saddened by the passing of Cobb Schools Chief of Police Ron Storey, whose decades of service have left a lasting impact on our schools and community.
“Chief Storey dedicated his life to protecting others, serving in law enforcement for nearly 40 years and leading school safety efforts in Cobb for over a decade. His leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to safety made a difference in the lives of countless students, staff, and families.
“We are grateful for his years of service and devotion to keeping our schools safe. His legacy will endure, and our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.”
The district’s police department has around 80 staffers and sworn officers, many of them assigned to schools as resource officers.
Storey, who was 72, joined Cobb schools in 2013 after serving as a Cobb Police officer and administrator since 1986. He was a graduate of Osborne High School and his children graduated from McEachern High School.
Storey was a former master sergeant in the Georgia Air National Guard and after serving as a patrol officer with Cobb Police, worked his way up to deputy chief.
The Cobb school district did not indicate if a successor has been named. According to the department’s leadership information, the second-in-command is Capt. Wayne Pickett, who like Storey also came from Cobb Police.
Storey’s death comes as the Cobb school district is undertaking a variety of safety initiatives in the wake of a deadly shooting last year at Apalachee High School.
In October the district hired a private security firm with former intelligence and military officials to provide what it calls proactive solutions to address not only potential active-shooter situations but also gang activity, cyberviolence and other safety threats.
Two canine detection teams also will be employed, with another security firm training CCSD officers to work with the dogs who can identify “person-worn or concealed-carried explosives and firearms.”
And in 2022, the district began a policy of hiring non-police professionals to help provide security at schools over the protests from some in the public.
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Stuart VanHoozer, who will be leaving his post next month as Cobb Police Chief, is the featured speaker at the March meeting of the East Cobb Civic Association Thursday.
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the Wellstar East Cobb Health Park (3747 Roswell Road), and seating is limited.
VanHoozer, who was appointed police chief in 2022, said in an interview with WSB-TV earlier this month that he will be stepping down at the end of April, after a 25-year career with the department.
The county has not officially announced the news, and an interim chief has not been appointed.
VanHoozer cited lowering crime figures and a desire to spend more time with his family for his departure, and that he plans to find employment outside of law enforcement.
VanHoozer began with Cobb Police as a patrol officer in 1999, and moved up the ranks as a precinct commander and in other high-ranking roles, including narcotics investigations and internal affairs, before becoming a deputy chief.
He holds a bachelors degree in criminal justice and public and social services from Kennesaw State University and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
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The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office invites the public to attend its first community briefing of the year. As part of Sheriff Owens’ ongoing commitment to fostering trust and transparency with Cobb County residents, this event provides an opportunity for community members to engage with the Sheriff’s Office and the command staff, gain insights into agency operations, and pose questions.
Additionally, the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office will be recognized by KultureCity for completing its certification in sensory training. This certification enhances the office’s ability to serve individuals with sensory needs, including those with autism. As part of this initiative, KultureCity will provide sensory bag items and tools to the Sheriff’s Office, including:
Fidget Tools – For calming and focus
Noise-Canceling Headphones – For reducing sound input
Visual Cue Cards – For communication and emotional expression
Weighted Lap Pads – For deep pressure and regulation, useful in high-seating demand areas
KultureCity is a nonprofit organization dedicated to sensory accessibility and acceptance for individuals with invisible disabilities and sensory needs. They work to create sensory-inclusive environments by training staff and certifying them for sensory accessibility. This initiative reinforces the Sheriff’s Office’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all members of the community.
The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office will also celebrate the graduation of its latest Citizens’ Academy cohort.
To wrap up the community briefing, our Special Operations Division will host a dynamic showcase featuring the Mounted Patrol Unit, SWAT, Drone Unit, and Motor Unit.
Who: Cobb County Sheriff’s Office
What: An open-to-the-public community briefing allowing Cobb County’s community leaders and residents to understand the efforts of the sheriff’s office in ensuring public safety and the range of services it offers.
Why: The community briefing gives the public an opportunity to hear directly from Sheriff Owens about the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office’s ongoing efforts to ensure public safety, strengthen community relations, and outline future goals.
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Residents of a Northeast Cobb home were treated for smoke injuries Monday. Cobb Fire photo
After several house fires this week—including two in East Cobb, one of which was deadly—Cobb Fire officials are urging the public to take extra precautions during some hazardous weather conditions.
Cobb and much of north and central Georgia have been under “red flag” warnings this week due to gusty winds, low humidity and warm temperatures.
That warning is in effect until 8 p.m. Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. Adding to the hazard is dry vegetation and the likelihood of fires spreading rapidly. Outdoor burning “is strongly discouraged,” the NWS Atlanta warning indicates.
Those conditions are expected to continue through the next week, with the first chance of rain in the area expected next weekend.
A woman was killed early Friday in a house fire off Powers Ferry Road, and members of another home in Northeast Cobb escaped a fire Monday that spread quickly.
Both fires took place late at night, as people were sleeping.
Though the cause of both fires is still under investigation, in the latter incident, a space heater may have provided the spark, according to Cobb Fire.
They’re telling the public to observe the following tips from the Cobb Safety Village to increase awareness and reduce the chances of being injured in a fire:
Know Two Ways Out
Every bedroom in your home should have at least two exits. Typically, these exits are the door and a window. Familiarize yourself with these escape routes and ensure that they are easily accessible at all times. In case of an emergency, being aware of and prepared to use these exits can be life-saving.
Close Before You Doze
It’s essential to sleep with your bedroom door closed. This simple action can significantly slow the spread of fire and smoke, providing you with crucial extra minutes to escape. Closing your door at night can also reduce toxic smoke levels and improve air quality, making your environment safer and giving you a better chance of survival.
Smoke Alarms: Your First Line of Defense
Smoke alarms are vital for early detection and warning in the event of a fire.
To ensure they are functioning correctlyTest Your Smoke Alarms Monthly: Press the test button to ensure they are working properly.
Replace Batteries Annually: Even if your alarms are hardwired, they typically have a battery backup that needs regular replacement.
Check Expiration Dates: Smoke alarms have a lifespan of 10 years. Check the manufacture date and replace the unit if it is older than 10 years.
By following these safety measures, you can significantly increase your chances of staying safe in the event of a fire. Remember, preparedness is key, and taking these steps can make all the difference. Stay safe and vigilant!
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“Aubie,” a black Labrador retriever in training with the Cobb County School District and provided by Global K9, a security solutions provider.
The Cobb County School District will be adding two canine detection teams as part of its efforts to bolster safety in schools.
At a Cobb Board of Education work session Thursday, officials introduced the “Vapor Wake” system, in which officer-led teams with specially trained dogs identify “person-worn or concealed-carried explosives and firearms,” according to the district.
The program includes a partnership with Global K9 Protection Group, a private company based in Opelika, Ala., that provides canine-focused security solutions.
The dogs are trained to “continuously sample the air for concealed firearms and explosives, tracking potential threats even while in motion. This cutting-edge detection capability provides real-time security monitoring, allowing for a swift response to potential threats.”
Major universities, sports arenas, theaters and other entities use Vapor Wake.
“We want our families to see for themselves that our schools are the safest in our community,” Cobb school board chairman David Chastain said in a district statement. “These canine teams are another example of us identifying and addressing threats before they happen.”
The Cobb school district has canine teams that aren’t specifically trained in Vapor Wake.
At the work session, Global K9 personnel presented “Dakota” and “Aubie,” two Labrador retrievers will be working in Cobb schools, and who are undergoing training.
Much of what Cobb schools is doing regarding safety has been done in confidence. When the district announced in October a partnership with a private national intelligence firm, it didn’t initially identify that company.
News reports revealed that it’s Servius Group, which includes former federal military and intelligence staffers who will be using counterintelligence techniques, data science and machine-learning components to conduct risk assessments at other schools and other measures that haven’t been clearly spelled out.
“This is a different situation in that we want to scream from the mountaintops that we have these canines, officers in use and they are able to detect weapons with 100 percent efficiency,” Cobb superintendent Chris Ragsdale said.
“We want everybody to know that. We want the world to know that where we have these canines there are going to present and be able to prevent weapons from entering the school.”
Keith Turner of Global K9 said the company was formed in 2018 with 20 employees, and currently has nearly 600 personnel, employing canine teams in more than 160 cities and localities.
The Vapor Wake contract, which will cost the Cobb school district $80,000, includes continuing training and recertification.
He said the company can sell dogs, “but what I want to sell is the idea of family.”
The company’s client base includes the Atlanta Braves, Six Flags theme parks, various stadiums and performing arts venues in California and elsewhere, and the Chicago and New York City police departments.
He said the Vapor Wake technology “is proven,” with the dogs trained to source particles in the air.
He said the technology is unobtrusive and won’t “hit on a cell phone, on a laptop,” unlike some metal-detecting devices.
“This is a dangerous odor,” Turner said. “It could be a smokeless powder, it could be potassium nitrate, anything with residue.”
Ragsdale said “it’s hard not to be excited” about something “that’s 100 percent effective.
“If we’re going to say student and staff safety is our top priority, then we need to do everything we can to ensure that that top priority remains attainable.”
But school board members did have some questions about Vapor Wake and the program.
Nichelle Davis asked about students and staff who didn’t like dogs or who were allergic to them.
Turner said he wasn’t aware of any such cases with his company’s trained animals, and wanted the program to engender a feeling of friendliness and safety with the dogs.
Randy Scamihorn wanted to see something of a demonstration at the open work session, but was told that would be provided in executive session for security reasons.
He also wanted to know if the handlers would be uniformed, and Ragsdale said “we’re getting down into the weeds that we’re not going to talk about now.”
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Cobb County first responders have picked Valentine’s Day to unveil a new, life-saving tool. Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services will become one of the first departments in the state to carry blood products in a program called pre-hospital blood transfusion. The program will equip select emergency response units with packed red blood cells (PRBCs) and plasma to enhance trauma care and improve survival rates for critically injured patients.
“Every second matters in trauma care, and by administering blood products at the point of injury, we can provide life-saving interventions sooner,” said Nick Adams, EMS Division Chief. “This program represents a major advancement in pre-hospital emergency medicine and underscores our commitment to delivering the highest level of care to our community.”
This initiative is made possible through a partnership with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, a nonprofit organization that provides blood products to hospitals and emergency responders across the region. Research has shown that early administration of blood products in the field can significantly reduce trauma-related mortality by stabilizing patients before they reach the hospital.
“We are excited to begin this new partnership with Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services and are grateful for the opportunity to support the vital work they do in our community,” said Lori Russell, LifeSouth Community Blood Centers District Director of Georgia. “Cobb County blood donors can help our efforts by donating blood with LifeSouth.”
The program will launch on February 14, which is not only Valentine’s Day but also National Donor Day. Cobb Fire & Emergency Services Medical Operations (MedOps) team will be the first unit to carry PRBCs and plasma. The paramedics assigned to MedOps have received specialized training and certification in administering blood products in the field, ensuring they are prepared to deliver this critical intervention safely and effectively.
By delivering advanced treatment directly to patients, this initiative seeks to improve survival rates and outcomes for those suffering life-threatening bleeding before they reach the hospital.
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Dr. Michael Cunningham became the seventh Fire Chief in Cobb County’s history after the Board of Commissioners confirmed his appointment Tuesday. The appointment, recommended by County Manager Dr. Jackie McMorris, followed an extensive search process after the previous Fire Chief’s retirement last year.
Dr. McMorris highlighted Cunningham’s diverse background, noting his leadership in representing Cobb County as a speaker, expert, and facilitator at numerous conferences, as well as his experience as an instructor and author. Cobb’s Public Safety Director echoed the praise.
“I believe we have one of the greatest fire services in the country, and I know you are honored to lead it,” Public Safety Director Michael Register told Cunningham.
“It is a humbling experience and an absolute honor to be standing before you,” Chief Cunningham said moments after the board confirmed his appointment. “To the men and women of this department, I am truly honored to stand alongside you and uphold our tradition of excellence in service to this community. I’m excited about the future.”
Chief Cunningham has served with Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services since 2005, rising through the ranks to Division Chief before becoming Chief of Staff. In this position, he managed the administrative system that guides the daily operations of the Fire Chief and senior command staff. He provided strategic counsel to the Fire Chief and other command staff members and performed oversight, project management, performance management, and policy direction in line with the department’s strategic plan.
An Air Force veteran, Cunningham holds a PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, a Master’s degree in Business Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics, and an Associate’s in Applied Science in Avionic Systems Technology. Additionally, Chief Cunningham holds the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation from the CPSE Commission on Professional Credentialing. He is also a graduate of the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government EXCEL Management Development Program and the 2023 Leadership Cobb program.
Cunningham’s appointment officially begins on February 17. However, Director Register appointed him Interim Fire Chief immediately after the meeting, enabling him to assume his duties right away.
Cobb Police said Thursday that an elderly man in East Cobb has gone missing, and they’ve issued a Mattie’s Call.
Officer Aaron Wilson said John Eaton, 87, suffers from dementia and that his vehicle was detected by license plate readers in Lawrenceville and Social Circle.
Wilson said that police were called to an area along Sewell Mill Road around noon Thursday following a missing person report.
He said officers were told that Eaton was last seen leaving his home around 8 a.m. Thursday, and was to meet friends at a nearby McDonald’s.
But he never arrived at his destination, Wilson said, and his current whereabouts are unknown.
Police said that Eaton also has atrial fibrillation and left his medication at home.
Wilson said Eaton was seen wearing a dark-colored sweatshirt and navy blue work pants, and was driving a 2003 Silver Toyota 4Runner with theGeorgia tag 499WPR.
He’s described as being 5-foot-7 and around 195 pounds and has brown eyes.
Anyone who has seen Eaton or his vehicle is asked by police to call 911 or the Cobb Police Department at 770-499-3911.
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Both Cobb Police and the Cobb County School District said Thursday that the student remains in critical condition but did not offer many more details.
They did acknowledge that the student is a female, but did not offer a motive or other details.
They also did not say how she was able to get a gun inside the school campus.
Cobb Police Sgt. Eric Smith said that “no additional details about the victim or the circumstances surrounding the incident will be shared to protect the privacy of those involved and maintain the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
“The Cobb County Police Department and Cobb County School District Police remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students, staff, and community members.”
ORIGINAL REPORT:
Cobb Police said Wednesday that a person was shot at Lindley Middle School in Mableton, and “that there was one victim” as the school went on a lockdown.
Few other details have been provided by police, except to say that the shooting was self-inflicted and that the school went on a Code Red lockdown for a time.
Police said in statement Wednesday that the campus was eventually secured and that parents were able to pick up their children from a nearby campus.
A message that went out to the school community from Lindley officials said that “one of our students used a firearm to commit a self-harm. The student is in critical condition, surrounded by family and loved ones.”
The message said that school administrators, along with a Cobb County School District police officer, “responded immediately and secured the weapon.
“Police have confirmed that there was no specific threats to fellow students and the code red was lifted as soon as the situation was resolved.”
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Cobb County’s Department of Emergency Communications (DEC) has earned one of the highest honors from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED). The IAED recently announced that Cobb’s DEC achieved Accredited Center of Excellence (ACE) status for police dispatch.
This recognition places Cobb County DEC among an elite group, as it is only the 33rd police dispatch center worldwide to receive this accreditation.
“I am extremely proud of our team for this extraordinary achievement,” said DEC Director Melissa Alterio. “This accomplishment exemplifies their professionalism, resilience, and unwavering commitment to serving the citizens, visitors, and first responders of Cobb County.”
The IAED’s ACE credential represents the highest distinction for emergency communication centers, certifying that they meet or exceed global standards for best practices in emergency response.
Achieving ACE status was the result of a multi-year effort, starting with a comprehensive overhaul of the DEC’s quality assurance program. Alterio praised Training Coordinator Leighann Schultz and Quality Assurance Evaluator Sidney Walker for their instrumental roles in implementing innovative training strategies, providing quality feedback, and successfully navigating the accreditation process.
“This accomplishment marks a significant milestone in our journey of continuous improvement,” Alterio said. “Achieving ACE status for Emergency Police Dispatch is particularly remarkable because police calls represent the highest volume of calls we handle. This achievement reflects our team’s dedication and commitment to delivering exceptional service to the community.”
The accreditation process required the DEC to meet 20 Points of Accreditation, which include stringent local oversight, rigorous quality standards, and a commitment to data-driven continuous improvement. The IAED’s Priority Dispatch System, recognized as the standard of care for emergency dispatch, is used in over 3,500 emergency communication centers across 46 countries.
The IAED will present the Cobb County DEC team with an accreditation plaque during the 2025 Navigator Conference in Orlando, Florida.
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Here’s the latest information we’ve pulled together late Thursday afternoon, as road crews begin brining work and citizens make last-minute plans and shopping for the winter storm:
THE FORECAST: The latest from the National Weather Service is calling for up to two inches of snow at least for Cobb County and the north metro area Friday morning, and anticipates up to a quarter-inch of ice on top of that.
The NWS on Thursday afternoon upgraded a winter storm watch to warning for most of north and central Georgia from 7 a.m. Friday to 7 p.m. Saturday.
A state of emergency has been declared across Georgia by Gov. Brian Kemp.
Cobb government offices and the Cobb school district are closed on Friday, and most businesses and organizations have cancelled activities on Friday and Saturday.
It’s expected that snow will come first, followed by ice/sleet/freezing rain or some combination.
You’re asked not to travel at all on Friday, as roads are expected to be extremely hazardous and road crews will be applying a salt-sand combination to make major roads passable.
Bridges and overpasses tend to freeze over first, along with standing water on and along roads.
Highs are only forecast to be in the mid-30s, as precipitation is expected through the late afternoon Friday.
It’s very likely that travel may be difficult on Saturday, as temperatures are not expected to get out of the 30s and will fall into the 20s overnight.
Sunday will have highs around 40 and partly sunny skies but there may be areas where roads are not passable at all, especially residential streets that county road crews may not be able to get to.
It may not be until Monday that road conditions are safe enough for regular local travel.
TO GET PREPARED: Grocery and other stores were busy Thursday afternoon as shoppers stocked up on food and other items in the event of being home for a few days.
Have plenty of perishable food on hand, including pet food and water, as well as food that doesn’t need electric heat in case of a power outage.
Also keep on hand flashlights with fresh batteries, extra blankets, coats, gloves, caps and other clothing to stay warm should the power go out.
Stay tuned to emergency information via your favorite media outlets and radio communications and official channels.
Keep computer and mobile devices fully charged and turn on notifications for weather alerts.
TO REPORT AN OUTAGE: The following links are provided by Cobb County government:
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The National Weather Service said that a tornado briefly touched down in East Cobb in storms Sunday night.
Cobb government said in a release Tuesday that around a dozen homes were damaged on Corral Drive and Bridal Path.
That’s located off Bryant Road, north of Sandy Plains Road
The Cobb release said NWS observers visited the area Tuesday to survey the damage, and determined the tornado to be in the Ef-1 category, with winds up to 95 mph.
“Several residents were displaced, and fire crews reported one minor injury,” the Cobb release said. “No tornado warnings were issued in Cobb County during the storm.”
The Cobb County Emergency Management office asking anyone who has property damage from the storm to visit the Damage Assessment Reporting Form.
Cobb government said Cobb DOT crews responded to 45 calls of trees blocking roads following the storm.
The injury in East Cobb came to an individual in a home that was struck by a tree, according to Cobb government, and that person sought medical attention.
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AAA will help stranded motorists while keeping impaired drivers off the road this holiday season, as the Auto Club Group has activated its Tow to Go program in Georgia and other select states.
“At the moment when you’re tempted to get behind the wheel while impaired, think again and allow wisdom to guide you. Set aside those keys and let your fingers dial Tow to Go,” said Montrae Waiters, AAA – The Auto Club Group spokeswoman. “AAA will then send a truck to take you and your vehicle to a safe location within a 10-mile radius.”
It’s important to note that AAA service technicians expect to respond to calls from more than 860,000 drivers with car trouble during the upcoming holidays. So, treat Tow to Go as a last resort. Before you party, identify a designated driver or ride-sharing service to plan for a safe ride home.
Tow to Go is active from 6 p.m. Tuesday, December 24th to 6 a.m. Thursday, January 2nd.
For service, call (855) 2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246.
Available in Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, North Dakota, Nebraska, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Colorado (Denver), North Carolina (Charlotte), Indiana (Fort Wayne/South Bend).
The Auto Club Group has provided the Tow to Go program for over 25 years. Since its inception, Tow to Go has removed more than 30,000 impaired drivers from the roadway.
‘Tow to Go’ Guidelines
Free and available to AAA members and non-members.
Confidential local ride for one person and their vehicle to a safe location within a 10-mile radius.
Appointments cannot be scheduled in advance to use Tow to Go. It is designed as a safety net for those who did not plan ahead. Always choose a designated driver before celebrating.
In some situations, AAA may need to make other arrangements to get an impaired individual a safe ride home.
Tow to Go may not be available in rural areas or during severe weather conditions.
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The Cobb Sheriff’s Office said Monday that a woman being held at the Cobb Adult Detention Center has died.
In a release, sheriff’s spokesperson Randi Okray said that Clara Palmer was pronounced dead at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital Saturday evening.
Okray said she had been rushed there after being found unresponsive in her cell and that emergency responders began administering CPR.
The release said the Cobb County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine a cause of death.
According to a booking report, Palmer, 39, from Union City, had been held without bond since Dec. 11 on a variety of charges, including possessing a weapon while committing a crime, possession of methamphetamine, theft by receiving stolen property and tampering with evidence.
The release also included a message citing figures from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention that “an estimated 90% of individuals who die by suicide have a diagnosable mental health condition—most often depression or a substance use disorder—at the time of their death.
“The holidays can sometimes feel overwhelming. Sheriff Owens urges detainees and their loved ones to seek help if they need emotional support,” the release stated.
“Individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or severe emotional distress can call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8 or visit 988lifeline.org for free and confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
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Cobb Police have arrested one adult and two juveniles after a fight broke out at Cumberland Mall Sunday that was initially reported as an active shooter incident.
Officer Aaron Wilson said in a release that “several 911 calls described males wearing masks running through the mall and allegedly shooting” in the food court area early Sunday evening.
But police said a part-time security officer saw no victims or armed individuals when arriving at the scene, although officers from several law enforcement agencies responded.
The three individuals were taken into custody and “a blood trail was discovered in front of several stores, prompting further investigation” of a possible stabbing, Wilson said.
He said that surveillance video footage showed that a fistfight had broken out, and that one of the persons involved had been bleeding.
Wilson said that no firearms or knives were discovered and no hospitals reported any injuries related to the incident.
Cobb Police did not release the names of those who were arrested, but said that it “would like to assure the public that there is no ongoing threat to safety at Cumberland Mall.”
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Cobb Police said Tuesday morning that a school bus was hit by another vehicle on Roswell Road in East Cobb but that there were no injuries.
Police said the crash occurred as the bus was attempting a left turn in the eastbound lane of Roswell Road onto Providence Road West.
That’s close to Walton High School and Dodgen Middle School.
Police said all lanes of traffic affect by the crash have been reopened.
A Cobb County School District spokesperson said that “a Walton bus was involved in an accident when a car made contact with the rear of the bus. We are grateful for the quick response of first responders who arrived to provide support and ensure everyone was okay. Fortunately, students were then able to be transported to school on another bus.”
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A pedestrian was killed Friday night after being struck by a vehicle on Canton Road near the intersection of Jamerson Road, according to Cobb Police.
Officer Aaron Wilson said in a release that the unidentified victim, a Hispanic male, was trying to cross Canton Road outside a crosswalk just north of Jamerson Road around 7:27 p.m. Friday when he was hit by a black 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE heading north on Canton Road.
Wilson said the car was driven by a 42-year-old man from Woodstock and included two juvenile occupants.
Police said the pedestrian was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital by ambulance, and was pronounced dead there. The occupants of the car were not injured, according to police.
Wilson said anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Cobb County Police Department STEP Unit at 770-499-3987.
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Cobb Police said Friday that a motorist was killed in a two-car collision on Hawkins Store Road Thursday night.
Sgt. Eric Smith said in a release that the unidentified victim was pronounced dead on the scene of the crash at the intersection of Hawkins Store Road and Farmbrook Lane.
Smith said the incident took place at approximately 6:57 p.m., when a white 2006 Toyota Tundra heading west on Hawkins Store Road veered off the road and onto a curb and sidewalk.
At the same time, according to police, a white 1997 Ford F-250 was traveling east on Hawkins Store, and was struck by the Toyota as the driver tried to get back into the westbound lane.
Smith said first responders attended to the driver of the Toyota, but he died on the scene. His next of kin has been notified, said Smith, who added that the driver of the Ford truck was hospitalized with minor injuries.
Police are continuing to investigate, and anyone with information asked to call the Cobb County Police Department STEP Unit at 770-499-3987.
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