East Cobb Public Safety

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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Update: Police say missing East Cobb juvenile found dead

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Updated 4:05 pm:

Cobb Police Sgt. Eric Smith told East Cobb News Springer was found dead of a “self-inflicted injury” but had no more details.

According to his obituary, Springer was a student at the Cobb Online Learning Academy and was an honor-roll student who “dreamed of working at a history museum.”

A celebration of life service is scheduled for Monday at Marietta Funeral Home.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations in Springer’s memory be given to Good Mews Animal Foundation of East Cobb or any teen suicide prevention non-profit.

Updated, 1:58 pm:

Police say Springer has been located, but they have not provided any further information.

Original Report:

Cobb Police are urging motorists to avoid the area around Sewell Mill Road between Murdock Road and Old Canton Road Wednesday morning as they are conducting a search for a missing juvenile

A social media post published shortly before 9 a.m. Wednesday gave the address as 3125 Sewell Mill Road—Eastminster Presbyterian Church.

Police said regular patrol units were joined by special units.

Sgt. Eric Smith of Cobb Police told East Cobb News the juvenile, identified as Reed Springer, 17, is considered endangered because he is autistic.

He said the boy left his home in the area after noon Tuesday for a walk, but never returned. Police said Springer had been feeling stress due to final exams.

 

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Outdoor burn ban in Cobb County runs from May 1-Sept. 30

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Submitted information:Cobb Fire Department fireworks safety reminder
Open burning  is banned  from May 1 – Sept. 30 in Cobb County. You may not burn leaves, tree limbs or other yard waste, forest land or use air curtain destructors for land clearing. This rule is in addition to the year-round state ban on the burning of household garbage.
Cobb Fire and Emergency Services staff enforce this state-issued burning ban in unincorporated Cobb County, and the cities of Acworth, Kennesaw and Powder Springs.
For more information, click here https://bit.ly/4aPeCdD

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PHOTOS: First responders treated to appreciation lunch

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First responders appreciation lunch

Submitted information and photos:

 The Janice Overbeck Real Estate Team proudly hosted their 10th semi-annual Appreciation Lunch on Wednesday, April 24th, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, dedicated to honoring our local heroes – police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and military personnel. The event was a huge success, with the largest turnout they have seen to date!

PrimeLending served BBQ with a variety of sides and drinks, sponsored by Arrow Exterminators. Attendees were welcome to use the patio to enjoy their meal, or they could take it on the road, ensuring that our hardworking heroes could enjoy a well-deserved break amidst their duties. In addition to the delicious lunch, each attendee received a goodie bag filled with awesome items as a token of appreciation for their service and dedication.

Additional sponsors for the event included Amerispec /All Atlanta Inspection Services, First American Home Warranty, American Home Shield, and Chick-fil-A East Lake. For more information about upcoming community events hosted by the Janice Overbeck Real Estate Team, please visit www.JaniceOverbeck.com.

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Cobb jail inmate dies after arrest due to sex offender status

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The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office announced that a 68-year-old male detainee passed away Saturday at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital after suffering from cancer.Cobb Sheriff's Office

A release said the man, who was unidentified, was homeless and declined to provide family contact information.

The Cobb Sheriff’s Office said “he was last arrested for violating restrictions based on his sex offender status,” but didn’t say how long he had been in custody.

“All signs pointed to this individual being homeless with no access to medical care,” Sheriff Craig Owens in a statement. “We believe he wanted to be arrested so he could live his remaining weeks in a more comfortable environment.”

The Sheriff’s Office said that following a medical screening upon his arrest “it became clear he was facing a serious health challenge.”

He was “routinely” taken to Kennestone for treatment, and “due to the detainee’s sex offender status and to protect the public, Sheriff Owens mandated that he remain incarcerated.”

Owens said in the release that “I say often that jails across our metro and the state have become de facto hospitals and mental health facilities.

“This detainee’s death is another example of that fact, and we must collectively do more outside of the criminal justice system so that folks don’t intentionally go to jail to receive life or death medical treatment.”

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Ex-officer indicted for shooting death in NE Cobb car chase

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A Cobb grand jury has indicted a former Woodstock police officer after a suspect fleeing a traffic stop in Northeast Cobb last fall was shot to death.East Cobb man convicted

The April 18 indictment charges Grant Matthew Shaw, 23, of Canton, with a felony count of involuntary manslaughter for the Oct. 14 death of Emmanuel Millard, 20, of Marietta.

According to Cobb Police, Millard fled a traffic stop on Oct. 12 at Highway 92 and Hames Road, near the Cobb County line.

According to a preliminary Georgia Bureau of Investigation report, Woodstock police pursued Millard into Northeast Cobb for several miles, before stopping his vehicle near the intersection of Highway 92 (Alabama Road) and Old Mountain Park Road, near the Cobb-Roswell line.

As officers tried to remove Millard from the car, he was shot once, and officers rendered aid until EMS arrived on the scene, according to the GBI.

The GBI said Millard was taken to North Fulton Hospital, where he died two days later. Shaw was placed on administrative leave and resigned several days later as an investigation continued.

Cobb prosecutors sought indictments for felony murder and aggravated assault, but the grand jury concluded that Shaw did not intend to cause Millard’s death.

Shaw was booked into the Cobb County Adult Detention Center Monday and is being held without bond, according to Cobb Sheriff’s Office records.

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