East Cobb Public Safety

Man dies in Powers Ferry-Terrell Mill single-car crash

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Cobb Police said a man whose vehicle crashed into a tree on Powers Ferry Road near Terrell Mill Road Tuesday has died.Northeast Cobb car crash, Cops on Donut Shops

Sgt. Shenise Barner said in a release Friday that the victim was Cid Oliveira, 52, of Marietta.

According to police, Oliveira was driving a burgundy 2016 Kia Optima southbound on Powers Ferry, south of the Terrell Mill intersection, around 7:18 a.m. Tuesday, when the crash occurred.

Barner said the Kia was traveling in a left lane, and “for reasons unknown,” crossed two lanes of traffic, drove onto a sidewalk on the west side of Powers Ferry and struck a tree.

The vehicle landed on a sidewalk, according to police, who said Oliveira was then taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Barner said that Oliveira was pronounced dead by Kennestone medical personnel and that his next of kin have been notified.

The crash remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to call the Cobb  Police Department S.T.E.P. Unit at 770-499-3987.

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Cobb Police: Motorcyclist killed in Ebenezer Road collision

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Cobb Police said Sunday that a man riding a motorcycle that crashed with a car on Ebenezer Road Sunday has died.Cobb Police, Holly Springs Road suspicious person, East Cobb crime forum

Officer Aaron Wilson said in a release that Nicholas Karantonis, 31, of Roswell, was riding a 2009 Harley-Davidson FHX southbound at 3055 Ebenezer Road, near Addison Elementary School, around 6:24 p.m. Sunday.

According to police, the motorcycle crashed with a 2010 Honda Accord driven by Thomas Coe, 82, of Marietta, who was traveling in the northbound lane of Ebenezer Road.

Wilson said investigators determined that the motorcycle crossed into the northbound lane, causing the crash. Police said first responders rushed to the scene to provide aid, but Karantonis was pronounced dead at the scene by the Cobb County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Wilson also said that Coe and two other passengers in the Honda, Cynthia Coe, 81, of Marietta, and Scott Coe, 49, of Marietta, were taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital with minor injuries.

Police said they are continuing to investigate the crash and that anyone with information is asked to contact the Cobb County Police Department S.T.E.P. Unit at 770-499-3987.

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Cobb Police officer helps save newborn after roadside birth

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Cobb Police officer helps save newborn in roadside delivery
The Preston family with their newborn child. Photos courtesy of Cobb Police.

A Cobb Police officer responding to an emergency request for assistance last week ended up helping save a newborn baby in distress.

Officer William Desaussure was conducting an unrelated traffic stop on Thursday on Sandy Plains Road near Whitlock Road in East Cobb when he was approached by a driver asking for help.

The man told the officer his wife was in active labor and they weren’t going to make it to the hospital, according to a release Tuesday from Cobb Police.

https://eastcobbnews.com/sprayberry-hs-placed-on-lockdown-after-report-of-weapon/
Cobb Police Officer William Desaussure

Desaussure reached the vehicle where a woman had already delivered the baby. But the infant was not breathing, and he began performing chest compressions, police said.

After several compressions, according to police, the baby began breathing.

Cobb Fire and Emergency Services were called to the scene and took the mother and child to a hospital for further care, according to police, who said “we are happy to report that both have since been released and are doing well.”

Police said the Prestons shared the above photo and “expressed their gratitude for Officer Desaussure’s actions.

“As first responders, officers never know when or where they may be called upon to act. On this day, Officer Desaussure was in the right place at the right time, and his quick response helped ensure this child entered the world safely.

“We extend our congratulations to the Preston family on the birth of their child and wish them continued health and happiness.”

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Sprayberry HS lockdown lifted after report of weapon

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A Code Red alert was issued at Sprayberry High School Thursday following a report that a student had a weapon in a backpack.

In an e-mail message that went out to the school community, Principal David Church said that the lockdown was issued “out of an abundance of caution” and that “there is a significant police presence on campus as they investigate.”

The message said that a 911 call was made Thursday morning but provided few other details.

Church said that “students and staff are safe and secure and procedures are being followed carefully and calmly.”

In response to a request for information from East Cobb News, the Cobb County School District issued the following response:

“Earlier today, a report was made of a weapon at Sprayberry High School. Law enforcement responded immediately, and the school was placed on a brief Code Red lockdown while police investigated. All students and staff are safe. No weapon was found and police are investigating the report as a hoax 911 call. We are grateful for the swift response and continued support of our law enforcement partners.”

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Cobb Sheriff’s Office announces 5th Citizens Academy

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Submitted information:Cobb Sheriff's Office

The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office invites community members to participate in the 5th Cobb County Sheriff’s Citizens Academy (CCSCA) — a hands-on, behind-the-scenes opportunity to learn about the structure, operations, and leadership of the Sheriff’s Office.

This seven-week interactive program includes lectures, interdisciplinary workshops led by Sheriff’s Office personnel, tactical equipment displays, and discussions with specialized units. Participants will gain firsthand insight into the daily operations and responsibilities of the men and women who serve Cobb County.

Who: Cobb County Sheriff’s Office
What: Cobb County Sheriff’s Citizens Academy (CCSCA) — a seven-week program focused on educating residents about the Sheriff’s Office through immersive learning and direct engagement with Sheriff’s Office leadership.
When: Every Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the following dates:

  • March 5, 2026
  • March 12, 2026
  • March 19, 2026
  • March 26, 2026
  • April 2, 2026
  • April 16, 2026
  • April 23, 2026
Where: Cobb County Public Safety Training Center, Cobb County Adult Detention Center, and the Sheriff’s Office Headquarters in downtown Marietta
Why: This free academy strengthens community partnerships by empowering residents through transparency, education, and open dialogue. It offers a rare chance to go beyond the badge and engage with key personnel who protect and serve Cobb County.
Enrollment Requirements:
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Possess a valid government identification
  • Complete an application and submit it to the Community Engagement Unit
  • Successfully complete a background investigation
  • Attend at least 6 out of 7 sessions
  • Deadline to apply is February 27, 2026

Cost: Free. Apply here for this unique opportunity

Motorcyclist seriously injured in Johnson Ferry Road crash

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Cobb Police said Thursday that a motorcyclist is in serious condition after a crash on Johnson Ferry Road.Northeast Cobb car crash, Cops on Donut Shops

Sgt. Eric Smith said that the unidentified motorcyclist is in serious condition after his bike collided with a vehicle on Johnson Ferry Road near Little Willeo Road.

Police said the crash took place at around 7:41 a.m. Thursday when a gray 2015 Yamaha FZ09 motorcycle heading northbound on Johnson Ferry was struck by a gray 2022 Chrysler Pacifica making a left turn from a southbound lane onto 1000 Johnson Ferry Road, at Woodlawn Point Shopping Center.

Smith said the driver of the Chrysler was not injured in the crash, which remains under investigation. Traffic was backed up in that area for a while on Thursday morning, according to local traffic reports.

Cobb Police are asking anyone with information about the crash to call 770-499-3987.

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Cobb Police: Pedestrian killed in Powers Ferry Road crash

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Cobb Police said that a man who was laying down in Powers Ferry Road was struck and killed by a pickup truck early Saturday morning.Northeast Cobb car crash, Cops on Donut Shops

Sgt. Eric Smith said Sunday that the victim, who was not identified except that he was Hispanic, was pronounced dead after being taken to a hospital.

Smith said that the incident took place at 1:19 am. Sunday on Powers Ferry Road near Sherwood Drive. That’s located east of the South Marietta Parkway near Powers Ferry Elementary School.

According to police, a 2014 Ford F-150 was traveling northbound on Powers Ferry Road when it hit the pedestrian, who “for unknown reasons” was laying perpendicular in a center turn lane and a northbound lane.

Smith said the victim’s next of kin have not been identified, and the driver of the Ford was not injured.

Cobb Police said anyone with information about the crash is asked to call 770-499-3987.

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Two Cobb police officers charged with crimes against minors

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Cobb Police said Wednesday that two of their officers are facing criminal charges in Cherokee County involving minors.Northeast Cobb car crash, Cops on Donut Shops

In separate releases, Cobb Police Sgt. Eric Smith said that Officer Withman Benjamin and Officer Tyler Bertolini have been placed on administrative leave pending continuing investigations.

Smith said that Benjamin has been charged with sexual battery against a minor, and Bertolini has been charged with child cruelty.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said it arrested Benjamin, 47, of Canton, on Friday, on one count of sexual battery against a child under 16, following an investigation that began in September at the request of Canton Police.

Benjamin was booked in the Cherokee Adult Detention Center but is no longer in custody.

“The residents of Cobb County expect and deserve law enforcement officers who uphold the law and demonstrate integrity at all times, both on and off duty,” Cobb Police Chief Dan Ferrell said in a statement.

“We are committed to following the facts, respecting due process, and taking all appropriate action to maintain the trust and confidence of our community.”

Bertolini, also of Canton, turned himself in to Cherokee authorities Tuesday after being charged with two counts of cruelty to children. He is accused of using a belt against a 10-year-old boy in November, causing bruises and welts, and then pushing the child down onto a floor.

Ferrell issued a similar statement about Bertolini’s arrest, saying that “the expectation in Cobb County is clear. Our officers must uphold the law and conduct themselves with integrity, on and off duty.

“We are reviewing the facts, respecting due process, and will take appropriate action to maintain the trust of our community.”

Smith said the two cases are not related.

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Cobb Police appoints Maj. Darin Hull as Precinct 4 commander

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Darin Hull, a nearly 20-year veteran of the Cobb Police Department, has been named the commander of Precinct 4 in East Cobb.

Cobb Police appoints Maj. Darin Hull as Precinct 4 commander
Maj. Darin Hull

Hull, who most recently had been head of the Cobb Police Major Crimes Unit, began his duties in December succeeding Brian Batterton, who retired after 30 years of service.

Hull also has been commander of the Cobb Police Violent Incident Prevention and Early Response (VIPER) unit, supervised an organized crime and gang unit and has had roles with the DUI Task Force, Underwater Search and Recovery Team (USRT) and in a variety of positions in Precinct 1 in northwest Cobb.

From 2018-24, Hull also served in a part-time role as police coordinator with the Atlanta Braves and for events at Truist Park.

In 2023, Hull was part of a Cobb Police real-time crime response operation that tracked down a suspect in a shooting at a Midtown Atlanta medical office. The suspect was found near Truist Park and The Battery after an extensive manhunt facilitated by the use of advanced technology and criminal intelligence.

Before joining Cobb Police, Hull was an investigator with the Cobb Sheriff’s Office. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from American InterContinental University and a Master’s of Public Administration in emergency management from Jacksonville State University.

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New Year’s Eve 2025 fireworks guidelines in Cobb County

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Cobb fireworks New Year's Eve

Cobb County government issuing reminders for New Year’s fireworks use.

Permissible use of fireworks on Wednesday, New Year’s Eve, goes through 1 a.m.

On Thursday, New Year’s Day, you can discharge until midnight.

Prohibited locations include county parks. “This includes historic sites, recreational areas and state property. It is illegal to use them within 100 yards of an electric plant, water or wastewater treatment plant, gas station, refinery, electric substation, jail, helipad, hospital, nursing home or other health care facility,” Cobb government’s guidelines state.

And here’s some more info to keep in mind:

Brush off the old and ring in the new this week. Cobb County Government offices will be closed Thursday, Jan. 1. We hope everyone enjoys their New Year celebrations in safe and fun ways.

If you use consumer fireworks, protect yourself, your loved ones, and abide by regulations. See the state law here. Ordinances and safety tips include:

  • Read and follow label directions.
  • Fireworks should only be used with adult supervision.
  • Only use fireworks outdoors.
  • Ensure you have water and fire extinguishing equipment handy.
  • Only light one firework at a time.
  • Be prepared to dial 911.

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Pedestrian killed on I-75 at Terrell Mill NW Corridor lanes

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Cobb Police said a pedestrian was killed Tuesday night after being hit by a vehicle on the Interstate 75 Northwest Corridor lanes at Terrell Mill Road.Northeast Cobb car crash, Cops on Donut Shops

Sgt. Eric Smith said that the unidentified pedestrian walked into a northbound lane near 9 p.m. Tuesday and was struck by a marked DeKalb Police patrol car driven by an off-duty officer.

The pedestrian landed on the right shoulder of the corridor after impact, and was pronounced dead on the scene by the Cobb Medical Examiner’s Office, Smith said.

Police said the man’s next of kin has been notified, and the off-duty DeKalb officer was not injured. The crash remains under investigation, and anyone with information is asked to contact Cobb Police at 770-499-3987.

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‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ holiday enforcement begins

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Submitted information:'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over' holiday enforcement begins

The Cobb County Police Department DUI Task Force and the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) are offering their only warning before the Christmas & New Year holiday season to never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs or a combination of both substances. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) December Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over impaired driving enforcement campaign will begin on December 12, 2025 and run through January 1, 2026.   

The Cobb County Police Department is joining state and local law enforcement across Georgia in increasing DUI enforcement during the holiday season with the goal of saving lives by preventing crashes caused by drunk and drugged drivers. State troopers, sheriff’s deputies, and police officers across the state always have a zero tolerance for impaired driving. Zero tolerance means any driver found on the road with a Blood-Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level of .08 or higher will be arrested. No warnings will be given, and no one will be allowed to call a relative or friend to give them a ride. 

“Impaired driving is one of the most serious and preventable dangers on our roads. Each year, our officers see crashes that cause severe injuries and needless loss of life because someone chose to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These accidents divert emergency resources, burden families, and strain our community. They are not accidents. They are the result of avoidable decisions. Our department will continue traffic enforcement and public education, but safety starts with individual responsibility. If you plan to drink or use impairing substances, arrange a safe ride. Together, we can prevent these tragedies and keep our roads safe,” Chief Ferrell said. 

“If alcohol is part of the plan, then the plan must include arranging a ride with a sober driver because driving after drinking is never worth the risk to yourself and others on the road,” Allen Poole, Director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety said. “For those who refuse to put their safety and the safety of others first, please know we have a jail cell ready and waiting for all drunk and drugged drivers we find on the road. Please think about yourself and others and make the right decision to call a friend, cab or ride share for a sober ride.”

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Cobb Police Precinct 4 Commander Maj. Batterton retires

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Cobb Police Precinct 4 Commander Maj. Batterton retires
Cobb Police Maj. Brian Batterton, retiring Precinct 4 Commander

Maj. Brian Batterton, a 30-year veteran of the Cobb Police Department and the commander of Precinct 4 in East Cobb since 2018, has retired.

Batterton was honored at a special ceremony Wednesday marking his service.

He began his tenure in Precinct 4 in 1995, and has served as a patrol officer, a criminal investigations supervisor and as a training center commander.

Batterton, an East Cobb resident, earned a bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University and a juris doctor degree from John Marshall Law School. He also has served in the National Guard in Georgia and Alabama.

After Wednesday’s ceremony, Cobb Commissioner JoAnn Birrell said that “throughout his tenure, Maj. Batterton served with professionalism, dedication, and a strong commitment to public safety, leaving a lasting impact on Precinct 4 and the community it serves.

“Congratulations, Maj. Batterton, on your well-earned retirement. You will be greatly missed, and we thank you for your 30 years of service and leadership at Precinct 4.”

The new Precinct 4 commander will be Major Darin Hull, currently the head of the Cobb Police Major Crimes Unit, according to Officer Aaron Wilson, a Cobb Police public information officer.

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New crosswalk at Davis ES opens on Jamerson Road

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New crosswalk at Davis ES opens after pedestrian crash

After a 12-year-old boy was seriously injured this past summer crossing Jamerson Road near Davis Elementary School, a new crosswalk has been installed in that area.

Cobb government and transportation officials were on hand earlier this week as students and their parents traversed Jamerson in a newly constructed crosswalk, along with flashing lights and warning signs for pedestrians and motorists alike.

Cobb commissioners approved spending $146,000 in SPLOST revenues for the safety enhancements, and Commissioner JoAnn Birrell was among those on hand for the debut (see Cobb TV video below).

Preston Veal, a student at Mabry Middle School, has undergone a long recovery after being hit by a van while crossing Jamerson Road near the school in late June. He was hospitalized with numerous broken bones and internal injuries, according to a GoFundMe page set up to help pay for his medical expenses.

Veal, a member of the Lassiter Junior Trojan youth football program, was walking home from Davis on June 28 after shooting basketball at the school. Cobb Police said he was crossing from a sidewalk on Jamerson, east of Turtle Rock Drive, when he was hit by a van.

That’s near the only crosswalk across Jamerson serving the school.

Among those walking her child across the crosswalk was mom Courtney Chiang DiStefano, who told East Cobb News last summer that had begun a petition for a solar flashing light alert, along with crosswalk detectors, a chirping alert for pedestrians and for another crosswalk to be built to cover both sides of the school. 

She didn’t get everything she initially asked for, but was pleased with the new safety measures this week.

DiStefano previously said she and her family use the crosswalk often to visit grandparents and to go to classes as Davis, but told us “the lack of a protected crosswalk with sufficient signage and protection puts our children and neighbors at significant risk.”

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Dodgen Middle School evacuated after faulty fire alarm

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Dodgen Middle School evacuated after faulty fire alarm

Dodgen Middle School families were notified Monday that the school was briefly evacuated after what turned out to be a false fire alarm was triggered during the school day.

A message that went out from Principal Dr. Patricia Alford didn’t say when the incident happened, she but said that everyone was safety evacuated as Cobb Fire crews came to the scene to investigate.

“They discovered that a faulty smoke sensor was the cause, and it was replaced on the spot,” she said. “Once the repair was made, the system worked again and kids were brought back inside. We were able to continue our day with some minor adjustments.”

Alford didn’t give a time frame, but in her message thanked first responders.

East Cobb News has left a message with the Cobb County School District seeking more information.

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Motorist charged in fatal hit-and-run on Terrell Mill Road

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Cobb Police said they’ve charged a motorist in a fatal hit-and-run crash on Terrell Mill Road that killed a pedestrian Monday night.Northeast Cobb car crash, Cops on Donut Shops

Officer Aaron Wilson said Kuntae Green, 28, of Marietta, was taken into custody at his home on charges of felony hit-and-run, driving with a suspended license, and a center turn lane violation.

According to his booking report, Green resides at a nearby address and he is being held without bond at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center.

Police said Green was driving a gray 2014 Ford Escape around 7:12 p.m. Monday on Terrell Mill Road near Bentley Road when the incident occurred.

Police said Green’s car was heading south, but in the center lane, when it struck Roubins Francoise, 36, of Marietta, a pedestrian who was attempting to cross Terrell Mill outside of a marked crosswalk.

Wilson said the driver of the Ford Escape fled the scene, and Francois was taken by ambulance to WellStar Kennestone Hospital and later died there.

Wilson said the crash remains under investigation and that nyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Cobb Police STEP Unit at 770-499-3987.

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Cobb Police: Woman found dead at Powers Ferry Road hotel

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Cobb Police said a 58-year-old woman was found dead Sunday at an extended-stay hotel on Powers Ferry Road, but they’re not providing many details.Northeast Cobb car crash, Cops on Donut Shops

Officer Aaron Wilson said that the woman, who was not identified, was discovered deceased in her room at the Extended Stay America hotel (2239 Powers Ferry Road) around 11:25 a.m. Sunday.

Wilson said officers from the Cobb Police Major Crimes Department were called to the scene, and “at this time, the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death remain under investigation, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.”

Wilson did not provide a cause of death nor did he say who contacted police.

Even though the woman’s next of kin has been notified, her identity is not being released “out of respect for the family,” Wilson said.

Cobb Police are asking anyone with information to call the Major Crimes Unit at 770-499-3945.

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Empty pipe device shuts down I-75 in Delk-Windy Hill area

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If you were caught up in a massive shutdown of Interstate 75 during rush hour Friday afternoon between Delk and Windy Hill roads, or had to use a detour as a result, Cobb Police have provided further details about why.Northeast Cobb car crash, Cops on Donut Shops

In a statement issued by Sgt. Eric Smith, public information officer, police said they responded to a motorist’s 911 call about seeing a suspicious item in a southbound lane on the interstate.

But after hours of closure due to “an abundance of caution,” police said the device was an empty pipe that contained no hazardous materials.

Cobb police and fire were dispatched to the scene, and the police bomb squad set to work.

“The item was identified as a section of pipe with threaded end caps and what appeared to be wires attached to each end,” police said in the statement. “At this time, it is not known how the pipe came to be on the roadway, who placed it there, or whether it was done intentionally.”

The response was coordinated with the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, Marietta Police Department, Georgia State Patrol, Georgia Department of Public Safety (HERO, Georgia Motor Carrier Compliance Division) and other law enforcement agencies.

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Cobb County Sheriff’s Office welcomes newest GED graduates

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Cobb County Sheriff's Office welcomes newest GED graduates

Submitted information and photo:

The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) held its third GED graduation ceremony of the year on Wednesday, October 8at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center.

Seven detainees graduated from the program, with over 30 graduates since the GED Training Center opened in March of 2024. Speakers included Chief Deputy Rhonda Anderson, Col. Michael Williams, and Dr. Kim Kranzlin from Cobb County Adult Education.

The ceremony continued with the presentation of certificates, conducted by Cobb County Adult Education personnel in conjunction with the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office.

The GED curriculum, which includes four subject areas, requires a score of 145 or higher. Upon entering the program, detainees are enrolled in the TABE placement test to determine their educational level. Instructors tailor instructional time to keep detainees engaged and schedule testing when the detainees were ready. After 40 hours of instructional time, detainees take post-test to measure their progress if they had not already taken and passed their GED.

 

 

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Motorist killed, another injured in Lower Roswell Road crash

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Motorist killed, another injured in Lower Roswell Road crash
Cobb Police photo: Lower Roswell Road was closed near Shadowlawn Drive for most of Wednesday morning.

Cobb Police said Wednesday that a female motorist has died in a two-car crash on Lower Roswell Road.

Officer Aaron Wilson said that Brenda Joya, 23, of Hiram, was pronounced dead after being rushed to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital after her vehicle and another collided early Wednesday morning.

Kaitlin Ricketts, 45, of Marietta, the driver of the other vehicle, “sustained a complaint of injury” according to Wilson, but he didn’t elaborate.

Wilson said that Joya was driving east on Lower Roswell Road near Shadowlawn Drive shortly after 7 a.m. Wednesday when her black 2023 Honda Accord “for reasons still under investigation” veered into the westbound lane and collided head-on with a gray 2024 Lexus RX350 driven by Ricketts.

Police haven’t released more details, except to say that next of kin has been notified, and that anyone with information about the crash should call the Cobb County Police Department’s S.T.E.P. Unit at 770-499-3987.

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