East Cobb Public Safety

Cobb superintendent to make school safety presentation

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Cobb superintendent to make school safety presentation

Cobb school superintendent Chris Ragsdale said Thursday he will make a detailed school safety presentation to the public in October.

During a Cobb Board of Education meeting Thursday, he said that while “I will not identify systems and structures designed to keep our students, teachers, and staff safe,” additional safety measures will be announced next month.

His comments (full video here) come in the wake of the deadly shootings at Apalachee High School in Winder earlier this month, and following calls from local citizens for more open discussion of safety measures in the Cobb County School District.

Ragsdale was responding in particular to demands that board member Tre’ Hiutchins’ previous attempts to put such a discussion on the agenda be reconsidered.

But he said that “I fully appreciate the desire to know and the frustration that you cannot. However, law enforcement and school safety experts repeatedly caution that school safety plans should not be discussed in public—ever.”

He said the Cobb school district spends $35 million a year on student and staff safety, including the efforts of an 81-officer district police department.

“Our Board receives briefings in executive session, Ragsdale said, adding that he told the board on Thursday “of expanded threat assessment and abatement measures that we are investigating in a more detailed discussion. Following the Board’s input, I anticipate bringing a PUBLIC presentation on those aspects we can share without endangering students and staff of those measures during next month’s Board meeting.”

In addition to the Apalachee reaction, the district said it has received more than 60 reports of threats, none of which posed an actual threat to a Cobb school campus.

They included Dickerson Middle School last week and at Walton High School on Tuesday, which was on a brief lockdown after a report of a bomb that the district said “was not an active threat.”

In reference to those incidents, Ragsdale said that “we do not consider any threat ‘false’ until we are confident it is false. And also, please know we do not consider these false threats as pranks and every threat is reported to law enforcement and will likely result in both serious school discipline and criminal prosecution.”

Hutchins’ proposal would add non-certified school support officers and install weapons detection devices at schools and for large events.

For parent Melissa Marten, a frequent critic of Cobb school district, Ragsdale’s pledges weren’t satisfactory.

“All we’ve been asking for is an open discussion for you to consider any and all things that could keep our kids safe,” she said during a public comment Thursday night, “and an acknowledgement of the fear we live with every day. But you refuse.”

Marten asked how would a parent know about how the district’s emergency tip line was being monitored and responded to, and she claimed Ragsdale is “incapable” of extending empathy.

“Whose tips would you take seriously, and whose would you blow off?” Whether the reported threats are real or not, she continued, “it’s taking a toll.”

During his prepared remarks, Ragsdale said that “in general terms, our school safety measures are among the most comprehensive and layered in the State of Georgia.”

He added that “in times less troubled than these, this Board has endured loud and organized opposition to police presence on campus, armed police, safety drills, and even crisis response systems. Despite these critics and criticism, this Board has put the safety of students first.”

Before the meeting Thursday, the district said that students taking part in school walkouts to protest gun violence would be facing suspensions. A special assembly was held Friday morning without incident at the Wheeler High School football stadium to honor the Apalachee victims.

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Cobb schools: Walton HS bomb report ‘not an active threat’

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Walton HS sports complex pedestrian bridge

A bomb threat was reported at Walton High School on Tuesday, according to a message that went out to the school community.

But the Cobb County School District said late Tuesday afternoon in response for information from East Cobb News that “there is not an active threat to Walton High School.”

A message from Principal Stephanie Santoro that was sent out around 3 p.m. said that the threat was called into 911, and “our team immediately reported the threat to multiple law enforcement agencies.”

She said in the message those agencies are now conducting an investigation.

“Currently, while there is an increased law enforcement presence, there has been no interruption to the school day, and dismissal is on schedule,” according to the message, which was not more specific.

There were social media reports of a lockdown at Walton that the district did not confirm nor deny when asked by East Cobb News.

It’s the second time an East Cobb school has been what appears to be the subject of false threats in as many weeks, two weeks after a deadly shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder.

Last week, the Cobb County School District said a student at Dickerson Middle School was charged with making threats, but said the student is “not a threat to the school.”

It was among the more than 50 such incidents the district said it has received since the Apalachee shootings that have “not been proven to be actual threats to a Cobb school.”

WSB-TV reported Tuesday afternoon that in addition to the Walton incident, Northview High School in North Fulton went on lockdown, and that a sweep of that campus by police “determined that there was no threat.”

The Cobb school district said that there was no evacuation at Walton.

“We take each reported threat very seriously, including increased law enforcement so the school day can continue without disruption,” a district spokesperson told East Cobb News in a statement.

On Tuesday, the message that went out to the Walton school community said the number of reported threats in the Cobb school district has now grown to more than 60, and that “almost all these incidents were the result of bad behavior on the part of people who are seeking to disrupt the school day.

“Our administration, the District, and law enforcement take every rumored threat seriously and are thoroughly investigating. Once we have an update, we will update you.”

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Cobb Truck-A-Palooza returns to Town Center at Cobb

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Submitted information:Cobb Truck-A-Palooza returns to Town Center at Cobb

Whether you’re a truck enthusiast or just looking for a fun-filled family outing, mark your calendar for Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., and head to Town Center at Cobb mall for an unforgettable day.

From fire engines to police motorcycles, the mall’s back parking lot will transform into a playground for both kids and adults. This is your chance to get up close and personal with some of the largest and most impressive trucks around. Let your inner 5-year-old run wild as you explore everything from SWAT vehicles to steam shovels.

But that’s not all—this event is also for a great cause! All proceeds from Truck-A-Palooza will benefit the Cobb County Safety Village, helping fund vital educational safety programs for the community. So not only will you have fun, but you’ll be making a positive impact, too.

Charge up your camera for the ultimate photo opportunities with these massive machines, and be ready to make some amazing memories!

Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024
  • Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. (rain or shine)
  • Location: Town Center at Cobb, 400 Ernest W Barrett Parkway NW, Kennesaw (Back parking lot near the food court)
  • Cost: $5 per person (family pack: $20 for up to six people), children under 2 are free
  • Tickets: Available at the gate (cash and credit cards accepted)

Proceeds Benefit: Cobb County Safety Village educational safety programs

Don’t miss out—come for the trucks, stay for the memories!

 

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Cobb school board chairman responds to safety concerns

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The chairman of the Cobb Board of Education responded to concerns from parents and students following a deadly school shooting in Georgia last week by saying the board and Cobb County School District “have doubled and tripled down on keeping your children and grandchildren safe” over the long term. Randy Scamihorn, Cobb school board

Republican Randy Scamihorn, who is up for re-election in November, said in a “Just the Facts” newsletter issued by the district that he’s heard from parents and students since four people were killed at Apalachee High School in Winder.

He reiterated that parents should visit the district’s Cobb Shield vertical devoted to safety issues, and that includes information about a tip line and the district’s public safety staff.

Scamihorn said the mother of high school twins wrote to ask “can we do something about treating schools so they do not seem like prisons?” 

A retired Cobb educator, Scamihorn replied that “we know some of our safety decisions are inconvenient. Some of my family members are teachers, and yes, I am required to check in just like everyone else. If we have to choose between convenience and keeping your children safer, we choose safety every time.”

In his newsletter, Scamihorn didn’t reference an incident this week that led to criminal charges against a Dickerson Middle School student for making threatening statements toward another student.

The district said the student is not considered a threat to the school, and that’s one of more than 50 reported incidents that have “not been proven to be actual threats to a Cobb school.”

Nor did Scamihorn indicate if the school board, which meets next week, would take up a proposal by colleague Tre’ Hutchins to implement further safety measures.

They include implementing a School Support Officers program of non-post certified personnel to assist the district’s 81-member police force, and asking for technological assistance for detecting weapons at schools and at events, games and other functions in the district.

Hutchins also is asking for a financial analysis of those three items.

He proposed those measures following the shootings of former students at the McEachern High School parking lot in February (and a stabbing incident at Sprayberry in March), but couldn’t get a discussion placed on the board meeting agenda. 

That’s because board policy requires either the superintendent, chairman or a four-member board majority to add agenda items. 

Earlier this week, Heather Tolley-Bauer of Watching the Funds-Cobb, a school watchdog group, said the policy “is the worst example of representative democracy that you will ever see. . . . We are talking about enhancing the safety and security of our schools and they want to call us the activists?”

At the end of his newsletter Friday, Scamihorn countered critics who “have argued for ‘defunding the police,’ taking guns out of school police officers’ hands, moving money from safety to other areas of interest, blaming community crime on the schools, criticized safety drills, and fought against money spent on the crisis response system in our schools.

“Instead, the School Board and Superintendent have doubled and tripled down on keeping your children and grandchildren safe. Because of these and other safety investments we have made, the ‘feeling’ our students and parents have is one of security, not fear.”

The board will hold a work session next Thursday afternoon and a voting meeting Thursday night but agendas have not been published. 

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First responders, military, veterans invited to luncheon

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East Cobb public safety appreciation luncheon

Submitted information:

The Janice Overbeck Real Estate Team is proud to host its 11th semi-annual First Responders & Military Appreciation Lunch on Wednesday, October 9th, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This event, held twice a year, is dedicated to honoring our local heroes in Cobb County, including police officers, firefighters, EMTs, military personnel, and veterans.

Join us for a full-spread BBQ lunch featuring delicious pulled pork and pulled chicken, provided by PRIME Lending. Attendees can enjoy their meal on our spacious patio, network with fellow first responders, or take their food to go.

As well as many of our other wonderful sponsors will be supporting our heroes. Arrows Exterminators will provide beverages, First American Home Warranty will provide sweet treats, All Atlanta Ameri Spec and Perrie & Associates will be giving away fun swag items as a gift to those who tirelessly serve the Marietta community.

This heartfelt event is free for all first responders from Cobb County and the surrounding areas, including police, fire, detective units, and active/retired military personnel. We look forward to celebrating and expressing our gratitude to those who serve our community with dedication and bravery.

For more information on community events at the Janice Overbeck Team office, visit www.JaniceOverbeck.com/events and RSVP on our Janice Overbeck Real Estate Team facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/JaniceOverbeckRealEstateTeam/.

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Cobb Chamber opens registration for public safety luncheon

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Submitted information:Cobb Chamber annual golf tournament

As part of the 29th annual Public Safety Appreciation Week (Oct.7-11), the Cobb Chamber will honor Cobb County’s finest during a special recognition program at the Public Safety Appreciation Luncheon event held at the Coca-Cola Roxy on October 7. The luncheon will kick off a weeklong effort to celebrate public safety personnel in Cobb County. The luncheon is presented by Marquee Sponsor Superior Plumbing and Superior Plumbing Cooling & Heating and includes the presentation of the 2024 Public Safety Awards.

2024 Public Safety Awards and Nominees

The Public Safety Appreciation Luncheon will honor the bravery and commitment to excellence for each of the 2024 nominees – 15 individuals and 10 units, representing 12 different public safety organizations. Each nominee is eligible to win the following awards: the Public Safety Employee of the Year Award, Medal of Valor, Award of Merit, Distinguished Achievement Award, and Outstanding Community Contribution Award. The 2024 Public Safety Committee Chairwoman is Melissa Alterio, Director of the Cobb County Department of Emergency Communications.

To learn more about each nominee, visit www.cobbchamber.org/publicsafety.

2024 Public Safety Appreciation Luncheon

Award winners will be announced and celebrated at the October 7 Public Safety Appreciation Luncheon at the Coca-Cola Roxy. Registration is now open at https://tinyurl.com/2ba98snc.

Sponsors include Marquee Sponsor, Superior Plumbing and Superior Plumbing Cooling & Heating; Platinum Sponsors, Cobb EMC and MetroAtlanta Ambulance Service; Awards Sponsor LoRusso Law Firm; Gold Sponsors Barrow Wrecker Services, Genuine Parts, and Marietta Wrecker; and Appreciation Week Sponsor Verizon.

2024 Public Safety Appreciation Week

The Public Safety Appreciation Luncheon kicks off a weeklong community effort to celebrate the efforts of our public safety personnel, known as Public Safety Appreciation Week. Led by the Cobb Chamber, the community is invited to show their gratitude by visiting the public safety agencies in their neighborhood, between Oct. 7 through Oct. 11.

To learn how you can contribute, visit https://cobbchamber.org/events/public-safety-appreciation-week/.

For more information on Public Safety Appreciation Week, visit www.cobbchamber.org/publicsafety or contact Katie Guice at 770-859-2334 or kguice@cobbchamber.org.

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Dickerson MS student facing ‘criminal’ charges for threats

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Dickerson MS

The Cobb County School District said Wednesday that a Dickerson Middle School student is facing criminal charges for “making threatening statements.”

A “Dickerson safety message” that was sent to the school community didn’t specify what those statements were, but said that the student is “not a threat to the school.”

The message said that the Cobb school district’s police department and administrators investigated the statements of the Dickerson student in the wake of last week’s fatal school shooting in Winder.

The Cobb school district said in response to a request for comment and further information from East Cobb News that the Dickerson administration learned of the threat “from one student to another.”

But “the details of those charges and the serious, disciplinary consequences are not publicly available,” according to a district spokeswoman, due to state and federal student privacy laws.

She said in a statement to East Cobb News that the district has received more than 50 reported threats in the last six days—since the deaths of two students and two teachers at Apalachee High School in Winder.

But all of them have “not been proven to be actual threats to a Cobb school,” the district said.

“All applicable policy, and the law, have been strongly enforced and we can confirm there is no active threat to Dickerson’s students or staff,” the spokeswoman said.

She also included a link to the district’s “A Parent’s Guide to School Safety.”

The message sent to Dickerson families urged them to help “by talking to your children” about the district’s Cobb Shield safety resource page and the district’s tipline to report incidents.

School districts around metro Atlanta and north Georgia have been pressing charges in similar incidents since the Apalachee incident. A 14-year-old student, Colt Gray, has been charged with four counts of murder, accused to taking an assault rifle to the Winder campus.

His father has been charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter and child cruelty after Barrow County authorities said he bought an AR-15 rifle.

According to a family member, the boy’s mother called the school to warn a counselor less than an hour before the shooting about her son’s mental health issues, according to published reports.

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PHOTOS, VIDEO: Cobb remembers 9/11 attacks at fire stations

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Cobb remembers 9/11 attacks at fire stations

At 10:05 a.m. on Wednesday, crew members of Cobb Fire Station 21 in East Cobb turned on their sirens.

It was at that precise moment 23 years ago that the South Tower at the World Trade Center collapsed.

Twenty-three minutes later, at 10:28, the sirens went off again, signifying the time the North Tower fell.

Before that, crews honored the memory of those on four planes that crashed that day with a moment of silence.

The commemorations that took place at Station 21, located at the East Cobb Government Service on Lower Roswell Road, also were held simultaneously at other Cobb fire stations on Wednesday.

A total of 343 members of the New York Fire Department lost their lives in the Sept. 11 attacks, after hijacked commercial airliners struck the World Trade Center.

Fire departments across America have held special observances since then.

Across the street from Station 21, students from Mt. Bethel Christian Academy watched as the sirens blared, with the front facade of Mt. Bethel Church by a massive American flag.

Fire crews stopped traffic on Lower Roswell for the students to cross, and then took them on a tour of Station 21.

At the Georgia State Capitol, Gov. Brian Kemp led a special ceremony featuring music and the appearance of first responders (you can watch a replay by clicking here).

“Twenty-three years ago today, in a moment that changed the very course of history, we were painfully reminded that freedom is not free,” Kemp said, “and that the principles we hold dear, and that make America the last best hope for the world, also make us a target for those with evil intentions.

“But in the face of that horror, and the terrorism our enemies hoped would break us, we all observed the unique spirit of patriotism, of strength and of courage that we must continue to drive us forward for this day.”

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Cobb Police give some details on officer-involved shooting

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The Cobb Police Chief on Monday took the unusual step to speak publicly about an officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of a suspect at a Cobb Parkway pharmacy over the weekend.

Cobb Police give some details on officer-involved shooting
Cobb Police Chief Stuart VanHoozer

Stuart VanHoozer urged the media at a press conference to “look for corroborating evidence” before reporting on details of an incident that led to officers killing Nathan Jenkins, 32, late Friday evening, at a Walgreen’s store in the Cumberland area.

He referenced media reports that included “speculation” that the suspect was shot 25 times, had his hands up when officers fired and was possessing a cell phone and not a gun.

“I did not see any evidence” of those allegations, VanHoozer said at the press conference at Cobb Police Headquarters on Fairground Street in Marietta, adding that they were part of the ongoing investigation.

He asked reporters “to patiently wait for solid evidence” and not “conjecture” as the investigation into the shooting continues.

VanHoozer said the officers involved in the shooting have been place on administrative leave in the meantime.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is handling the investigation, and typically local police departments do not comment until those probes are completed.

“There are some questions that have popped up in the media that have caused us some concern,” VanHoozer said.

Some of those reports included interviews with the suspect’s father, who said his son called him after the shooting and he went to the scene, as well as Jenkins’ brother, who called it “an unjustified shooting.”

Jenkins’ father told WSB-TV that his son had experienced addiction and psychological issues in his past.

Jenkins, of Valdosta, was wanted on a number of warrants, and VanHoozer said they included failure to appear on a charge of a felony possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance and fleeing and attempting to elude police in Fulton County, and probation violations in Fulton and Lowndes County.

He said officers went to the Walgreen’s at 2670 Cobb Parkway at Windy Ridge Parkway at around 11:30 p.m. based on the outstanding warrants.

Police said initially that they got into an altercation with Jenkins inside the store, and he was shot by officers when they made contact. According to police, Jenkins was pronounced dead after being taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital.

VanHoozer said an unspecified previous traffic stop in which a suspect got away—he said police didn’t pursue him due to the department’s chase policy—may be linked, that “possibly that pursuit and this individual.

“That’s what led to that area [the Walgreen’s on Friday] in a continuing investigation,” VanHoozer said. Jenkins was “a wanted individual that we knew about.”

VanHoozer took a few questions, and was asked about an initial GBI report saying it found a gun on the scene.

“That was not our weapon,” VanHoozer said, but he deferred other questions to “give the GBI a chance to get its ducks in a row.”

He said the Cobb Police Department was extending its condolences to Jenkins family.

“We don’t want to see incidents end like this one ended,” he said.

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Cobb Public Safety to hold National Night Out event

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Submitted information:Cobb public safety appreciation

The partnership between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve has been vital in reducing crime levels. For law enforcement to be truly effective, they require the active support and engagement of citizens. This underscores the significance of events such as National Night Out (NNO), an annual tradition that unites community members and law enforcement to foster trust and promote a safer environment for all.

WHAT: National Night Out

WHO: Cobb County Public Safety

WHEN: Tuesday, August 6, 2024, from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

WHERE: Jim R. Miller Park (2245 Callaway Road, Marietta, GA 30008)

National Night Out is more than just an evening of festivities; it’s an impactful initiative that began in 1984, spearheaded by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW). Celebrated across all states, NNO promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie, making our communities safer and more caring.

The event offers activities for all ages, including live music, face painting, and a kid-friendly zone with games and inflatables. Public safety demonstrations from our K-9 unit, SWAT team, and fire department will be featured, and officers will be available to answer questions, share safety tips, and engage with the community.

Attendees can also meet local organization representatives, learn about crime prevention, and explore volunteer opportunities. Food vendors will offer local fare, making it a great night out for families.

We invite all Cobb County residents to join us in this effort to build stronger, safer communities.

Your participation is essential in creating a supportive environment where everyone feels secure.

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Cobb school bus safety reminders for motorists and students

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The Cobb County School District’s 2024-25 academic year begins on Thursday, and both the district and Cobb County government have been rounding up information related to bus transportation.Cobb school bus safety reminders for motorists and students

Foremost among those reminders is a new Georgia law that went into effect July 1 that makes it a “high and aggravated misdemeanor” to pass a stopped school bus.

The minimum fine is $1,000 and the maximum penalty is up to 12 months in jail.

“When the violation is caught by school bus-mounted cameras it is punishable by a civil fine of not less than $1,000,” according to information released this week by Cobb County government.

Some other tips to remember as buses will be back out on the roads:

  • Yellow flashing lights mean the school bus is slowing down and about to stop.
  • Red flashing lights and the extended stop arm mean children are boarding or exiting the bus. Motorists must come to a complete stop a safe distance from the bus. They must wait until the red lights stop flashing, the stop arm is retracted, and the bus starts moving again before they return to their drive.
  • Children alongside the road might dart into traffic without looking. Motorists are responsible for watching out for them and preparing for an emergency stop.
  • Motorists should drive more slowly if they see children beside the road or a bus nearby.

Cobb government also has provided links to new videos showing motorists how to stop for buses, depending on the type of road:

The Cobb school district has more specific information about finding bus routes, downloading its “Here Comes the Bus” mobile app and other transportation details to follow throughout the school year.

A special FAQ page has even more, including several links pertaining to transportation needs for special-needs students.

One other handy tip for the start of the school year: Students are allowed to bring water bottles on the buses in August and September, in containers with a screw-on lid.

For more information contact the Cobb school district’s transportation department at 678-594-8000.

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Pedestrian seriously injured in Woodlawn Drive crash

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A man crossing Woodlawn Drive Sunday afternoon was seriously injured after being hit by a vehicle, Cobb Police said.Northeast Cobb car crash, Cops on Donut Shops

Officer Joseph Wilson said William Cahill, 32, of Marietta, was taken to Kennestone Hospital after being struck by a maroon 2005 Rav 4 heading south near the intersection of Woodlawn Parkway around 12:54 p.m.

That’s just below Johnson Ferry Road, at an entrance to Woodlawn Square Shopping Center.

Police said Cahill was attempting to cross Woodlawn Drive from the west, outside of a designated crosswalk, when he was hit.

Wilson said the driver of the Rav 4, Vickie Morrissett, 69, of Marietta, was not injured.

Police said anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Cobb County Police Department STEP Unit at 770-499-
3987.

 

Police: 3 charged in death of woman last seen in East Cobb

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Police: 3 charged in death of woman last seen in East Cobb
Maury-Ange Faith Martinez

Cobb Police said this week that three people—including two men living on Powers Ferry Road—have been charged in the death of a woman last seen in the East Cobb area last fall.

Police said that Allen Kerr, 32, and Sean Deshazer, 26, have been charged with concealing the death of Maury-Ange Faith Martinez, 20, of Alpharetta. She was reported missing in Gwinnett County last summer and her skeletal remains were identified in January near Chattanooga, Tenn.

A third suspect, Jasmine Craig, 27, was arrested in Wichita, Kan., and is awaiting extradition, Cobb Police said in a release.

The release said that their arrest warrants were issued on June 27, following a request for assistance in investigating Martinez’ death.

Police said on May 31 that Martinez was last seen in the Powers Ferry Road area, but they haven’t offered more details.

According to an indictment in Cobb Superior Court, Kerr, Deshazer and Craig “did unlawfully conceal the death” of Martinez on or near Aug. 21, 2023, hindering the discovery of her body months later in another state.

According to Cobb Sheriff’s Office booking reports, Kerr and Deshazer both reside at the Rockledge Apartments on Powers Ferry Road, near Akers Mill Road.

They have been in custody in the Cobb Adult Detention Center since last November on unrelated drug and weapons charges, according to the booking reports, and they are being held without bond.

Police did not explain how they came to arrest those individuals, but said in the release this week that “our detectives are still working diligently on this case as part of an ongoing investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the Cobb Police Crimes Against Persons unit at 770-499-3945 or Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta at 770-577-TIPS (8477).

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Cobb Police haven’t filed charges in toddler’s hot car death

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Cobb Police haven't filed charges in toddler's hot car death
“We really need some time to sort this out before we know what happened,” Cobb Police Chief Stuart VanHoozer said.

Calling it “a tragic incident,” Cobb Police said Wednesday morning have not filed charges in the death of a 2-year-old who was found inside a vehicle in a home near Jim Miller Park in Marietta.

Police said that officers and Cobb Fire and & EMS were called to a home on Wanda Circle late Tuesday afternoon and found the child unresponsive inside a vehicle.

Police said in a press release that the child was rushed to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital but was pronounced dead there.

While an investigation continues, police said that “there is no evidence to suggest that the child was left inside the vehicle” on purpose.

Cobb Police Chief Stuart VanHoozer said in a press briefing Wednesday morning that investigators are unsure why the boy was inside the vehicle.

“We really need some time to sort this out before we know what happened,” VanHoozer said.

“If I was in the position of the father, mother, sibling, friend, I would want a lot of grace and a lot of support.”

He said he didn’t know if criminal charges are warranted, but “we do know that support is warranted.”

VanHoozer asked for people “to be really, really careful in this heat.” He didn’t take questions.

Cobb and metro Atlanta are under heat advisories Wednesday and for the Independence Day Thursday, with temperatures in the low 90s and with high humidity.

Cobb Police Sgt. Eric Smith said anyone with information about the incident is requested to call the Cobb County Police Department Crimes Against Persons Unit at 770-499-3945.

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Wrong-way Trickum Road crash sends three to the hospital

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Cobb Police said Tuesday that an elderly man sustained serious injuries and two other people had minor injuries after a two-vehicle crash Monday on Trickum Road.Cobb Police, Holly Springs Road suspicious person, East Cobb crime forum

Public Information Officer Aaron Wilson said Paul Borts, 84, was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital with serious injuries in the crash, which took place at 8:48 a.m. Monday on Trickum Road at Timberbrook Trace.

Police said Borts, of a Northeast Cobb address, was driving a 2016 red Chevrolet Malibu in a southbound direction on Trickum near the intersection when the vehicle was struck by a 2023 white Chevrolet Express van, which had been traveling northbound but veered into the southbound lane.

Wilson said the Malibu spun around and the Express van traveled northbound before both vehicles came to a stop on Trickum.

The two passengers in the van, driver Edward Jural, 33, of Dunwoody, and Penny Grigalanz 47, of Marietta, an occupant, also were taken to Kennestone with minor injuries, according to police, who said an investigation into the crash is ongoing.

Anyone with information is requested to contact the Cobb County Police Department at 770-499-3987.

 

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Executive director named for new Cobb Family Advocacy Center

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Submitted information:Cobb District Attorney logo

Cobb County District Attorney Flynn D. Broady Jr. is proud to announce that Kim McCoy, former director of the Victim Witness Unit, has been named as the executive director for the newly established Cobb Family Advocacy Center. This significant milestone comes after McCoy’s unwavering dedication and advocacy to bring a justice center to Cobb for the past 25 years.

The journey to establish a family justice center in Cobb County began in 1999 when McCoy, alongside Jason Saliba, now deputy chief assistant district attorney, toured San Diego’s center for victims. Inspired by what they saw, McCoy and Saliba were determined to bring a similar resource to the Cobb community.

Through persistent effort and overcoming numerous challenges, the vision has finally become a reality. “It took us years to get here, obviously, through struggles, through challenges, through a lot of different things,” said McCoy at the Cobb Family Advocacy Center grand opening on Dec. 15, 2023.

The FAC, located at 277 Fairground St. SE in Marietta, serves as a comprehensive hub for victims and survivors of abuse, providing essential help and resources under one roof. Navigators at the FAC will coordinate services for victims and collaborate with local victim service providers to offer trauma-informed, holistic, and comprehensive services in one central location, alleviating the need for victims to travel to multiple agencies to receive help.

The establishment of the FAC was made possible in part by a $400,000 grant from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, marking it as the first of its kind to officially open in Georgia. District Attorney Flynn Broady highlighted the center’s anticipated positive outcomes, stating, “Family advocacy centers in communities lead to significant reductions in domestic violence homicides and childhood trauma, resulting in better outcomes for families overall.”

In addition to county and grant-funded staff, the center partners with several well-established nonprofits, including LiveSAFE Resources, the Center for Family Resources, SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center, and Legal Aid of Cobb County. These organizations, along with public safety and prosecutorial partners, will have representatives on-site to provide comprehensive support to those in need.

Reflecting on the long journey to this achievement, McCoy remarked, “The FAC represents not only a promise kept to the victims and survivors in our community but also ensures a future commitment to building stronger collaborations among our partners to provide comprehensive services to victims. I am honored to lead the FAC and to continue advocating for the safety and well-being of our community.”

For immediate dangerous situations, the public is urged to call 911. Any victim is encouraged to contact their local police department to file a report. Additional resources for child abuse victims are available through SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center at 770-801-3465. Victims of domestic violence and adult sexual assault can receive additional services through LiveSAFE Resources at 770-427-3390.

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Police: Woman found dead in Tenn. last seen in East Cobb area

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Cobb Police are asking for the public’s help in investigating the death of a young metro Atlanta woman who was last seen in the East Cobb area.Police: Woman found dead in Tenn. last seen in East Cobb area

Police said on Friday that they’re tracking leads in the case of Maury-Ange Faith Martinez, 20, of Alpharetta. She was reported missing in Gwinnett County last fall and her skeletal remains were identified in January in an area near Chattanooga, Tenn.

Cobb Police said in a release Friday that Martinez was last seen in unincorporated Cobb, “near Powers Ferry Road,” but didn’t elaborate further.

They’re asking for anyone who may have seen her or had any contact with her around the time of the disappearance to contact them at their Crimes Against Persons unit at 770-499-3945 or Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta at 770-577-TIPS (8477).

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Police: Northeast Cobb missing boy, 13, found safe

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Updated, 4:15 pm:

Police said around 4 pm that the boy has been located and he is safe.

Original Post:

Cobb Police have sent out this message Thursday afternoon:

“There will be a significant police presence in the area of Autumn Leaves Lane. Several units from our uniformed patrol division and special units will be searching for a missing juvenile in the area.”

That’s off Blackwell Road near Ebenezer Road.

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East Cobb traffic alert: Vehicle overturned in JF crash

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Johnson Ferry Road crash

A reader sent the above photo heading northbound on Johnson Ferry Road near the entrance to Woodlawn Square Shopping Center.

A crash has resulted in a vehicle being overturned in the southbound direction, and is causing serious delays.

Cobb police and fire/rescue crews are on the scene, and we’re seeking further information.

A Pope High School social media message said the crash occurred around 5:35 p.m. The school is having its baccalaureate service Tuesday at nearby Johnson Ferry Baptist Church.

Cobb DOT said only the left southbound lane is open for the time being.

Johnson Ferry Road crash
Cobb DOT camera photo

 

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Cobb Sheriff’s Office opens new jail security checkpoint

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Cobb Sheriff's Office opens new jail security checkpoint
From L-R: LTC Kelker (Training & Accreditation Commander- CCSO), David Jones (Chief of Staff – CCSO) , LTC Hilsmen (Jail Commander – CCSO), Judge Bowers (Cobb County), Chief Deputy Anderson (CCSO) Sheriff Owens (CCSO), Asst. Chief Hawkins (CCSO) and Capt. Holt (CCSO).

Submitted information and photo:

The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office celebrated the grand opening and ribbon-cutting of its new security checkpoint entrance on Thursday, May 9, 2024, with special guest Judge Carl W. Bowers in attendance. 

The upgraded security checkpoint features cutting-edge technology designed to enhance public safety and security. This new checkpoint effectively screens visitors and employees entering the Adult Detention Center, with a particular emphasis on ensuring the safety of attorneys, detainees, and sheriff’s office personnel.

Notable features include a snack center, lobby area, an innovative cell phone holding center, and the Tek-84 full-body scanner. The event was organized to increase transparency, educate the public, and offer insights for other facilities considering similar security upgrades. 

The Sheriff’s Office emphasized its commitment to maintaining strict measures to safeguard individuals entering the facility and the detainees housed within, including state-of-the-art controls to prevent contraband from entering the premises.

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