East Cobb Public Safety

East Cobb man charged in crash that seriously injures motorcyclist

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An East Cobb man was arrested Sunday and charged with causing a serious motorcycle crash in Acworth that sent another man to the hospital.Northeast Cobb car crash, Cops on Donut Shops

Cobb Police said William English Akin, 55, of Mystic Court in northeast Cobb, was booked into the Cobb County Adult Detention Center Sunday on charges of DUI, failure to yield, and causing a serious injury by vehicle.

The latter is a felony charge, and Cobb Sheriff’s Office records indicate Akin was released on a $5,000 bond early Monday morning.

According to Cobb Police spokesman Sgt. Wayne Delk, a black 2001 Harley-Davidson XL1200C motorcycle was heading southbound on Cherokee Street in a right turn lane to westbound Lake Acworth Drive at 6:16 p.m. Sunday.

Police said that a brown 2017 GMC Sierra leaving a Racetrac gas station then veered into the path of the motorcycle, whose driver applied the brakes to avoid a collision.

But police said the Harley-Davidson overturned and the driver was ejected from the bike.

Delk said the motorcyclist, John Lloyd, 47, of Acworth, was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital with serious injuries.

Police said an investigation into the crash continues and that anyone with information is asked to call  770-499-3987.

 

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Cobb Sheriff’s Office increases patrols around malls for holidays

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The Cobb Sheriff’s Office said Saturday it is assigning additional personnel to the areas around Cumberland Mall and Town Center at Cobb for the rest of the holiday shopping season.Cobb Sheriff's Office

A release said that deputies assigned to the department’s Uniform Patrol and the Fugitive Apprehension and Support Team (F.A.S.T.) began conducting routine patrols in the shopping areas around those malls on Monday, and will continue to do so through Dec. 31.

The release said while the office “is not aware of any threats, the sheriff wants to provide a safe atmosphere for those completing their holiday shopping.”

Sheriff Craig Owens said in a statement that the increased patrols are “meant to ease shoppers’ minds as they complete their last minute holiday tasks.”

Among the safety tips recommended for shoppers anywhere include not leaving packages in plain sight in vehicles, lock car doors, don’t leave vehicles unattended and remember where you park.

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Cobb holds groundbreaking for new NE Cobb police precinct

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Cobb Police Precinct 6

Last week Cobb County officials broke ground for the replacement building for the Gritters Library in Northeast Cobb (renderings and a previous post here).

On Monday, they were back in the area to shovel some turf for another new facility, the forthcoming Cobb Police Precinct 6.

That’s located next to the Mountain View Aquatic Center on Gordy Parkway, and the county provided the first renderings (seen above) of what it will look like when finished.

At Monday’s event were Cobb Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid, District 3 Commissioner JoAnn Birrell, Police Chief Tim Cox, Director of Public Safety Randy Crider, County Manager Dr. Jackie McMorris, and State Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick.

In November commissioners approved spending the first part of $5 million in 2016 SPLOST funds for the new precinct, which will initially house police special units but will not have a patrol zone.

The area will continue to be covered by Cobb Police patrols out of Precinct 4, located off Lower Roswell Road, and that stretches to the east side of Canton Road.

Cobb Police Precinct 6 groundbreaking

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Cobb Police create E-Commerce ‘safe zones’ for holiday shopping

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East Cobb Government Center, Cobb Police Precinct 4
Cobb Police Precinct 4 at the East Cobb Government Service Center is an e-commerce “safe zone.”

Submitted information:

This holiday season, everyone will be searching for the perfect gift at the perfect price and many will turn to e-commerce sites like Craigslist, Offer-Up and Facebook Market Place to purchase those gifts. Cobb County wants to ensure these purchases are done in a safe manner at a safe location.

Cobb Police Department staff has implemented “E-Commerce Zones” at all five precincts and headquarters to provide residents with safe places to conduct trades and sales. The zones are marked with blue signs in well-lit places that are monitored by video surveillance.

Locations of E-Commerce Safe Zones at Police Precincts and Headquartes:

  • Precinct 1: 2380 N. Cobb Parkway Kennesaw, GA 30152
  • Precinct 2: 4700 Austell Rd Austell, GA 30106
  • Precinct 3: 1901 Cumberland Parkway Atlanta, GA 30339
  • Precinct 4: 4400 Lower Roswell Rd Marietta, GA 30067
  • Precinct 5: 4640 Dallas Highway Powder Springs, GA 30127
  • Headquarters: 140 North Marietta Parkway Marietta, GA 30060

 

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Cobb commissioners approve new NE Cobb police precinct

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Cobb police precinct map
Current Cobb police patrol zones include Precinct 4, located on Lower Roswell Road in East Cobb.

UPDATED:

Commissioners approved the design/construction contract by a 5-0 vote, with District 3 representative JoAnn Birrell saying “this has been a long time coming.”

She said a groundbreaking will take place on Dec. 1 at 11 a.m.

ORIGINAL POST:

Initial design work for a new police station in Northeast Cobb is on the agenda for the Cobb Board of Commissioners Tuesday.

A contract for $723,980 with Batson-Cook Company is being presented to commissioners to design what would eventually become the Cobb Police Department’s Precinct 6.

It’s the first part of a two-phase project that’s been budgeted for $5 million in 2016 Cobb SPLOST funding.

You can read more by clicking here.

The Batson-Cook project work would include “design, project fee, and general conditions costs” for Precinct 6, according to the agenda item.

There was no other information available about the project, including the future precinct patrol area and location and how it would be staffed and funded.

Cobb government spokesman Ross Cavitt told East Cobb News in response to those questions that Precinct 6 would be located next to the Mountain View Aquatic Center (2650 Gordy Parkway).

Initially, the new facility will house the police department’s specialized units “and not have a patrol zone. That could change in the future, but that is the starting point.”

Most of the East Cobb area is currently included in Precinct 4, whose station is located on Lower Roswell Road.

That precinct runs from the Powers Ferry Road area to the east side of Canton Road.

Last month, the Cobb Police Department moved into its new headquarters on Fairground Street, in the former  LGE Community Credit Union building, a project that cost $13.5 million, also from the 2016 SPLOST.

The department had been operating out of overcrowded space on the North Marietta Parkway and Cherokee Street.

The full agenda for Tuesday’s commissioners meeting can be found here; it will start at 9 a.m. and take place in the second floor board room of the Cobb government building (100 Cherokee St., downtown Marietta).

COVID-19 protocols are being followed, including mandatory masks and a limit on in-person attendance due to social-distancing.

The hearing also will be live-streamed on the county’s website, cable TV channel (Channel 24 on Comcast) and Youtube page. Visit cobbcounty.org/CobbTV for other streaming options.

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Cobb Police issue World Series safety, security, traffic bulletin

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Submitted information:Cobb Police, Holly Springs Road suspicious person, East Cobb crime forum

Like many others in the metro-Atlanta area, Cobb County Police is excited that our Braves are vying for Major League Baseball’s championship in the Fall Classic. Though we are celebrating along with everyone else, the Cobb County Police Department is also taking our role of maintaining public safety very seriously. We continue as the lead public safety agency at Truist Park, The Battery, and the surrounding areas. With the increased traffic (both vehicular and pedestrian), we have increased our footprint in all areas, and the public will notice a marked increase in patrol officers. Our department has coordinated extensive operations plans with Atlanta Braves, Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services, Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, and other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies who have either assisted with personnel resources or will be affected by the increased flow of traffic into their own jurisdictions.

Even with our increased presence and extra security measures, we still need the public’s help in keeping this a safe and fun event for all. We encourage all visitors to Cobb County to remember to Lock-Take-Hide. While visiting for the games or out at any other venues, please make sure to Lock your vehicle when you park. Take anything of value out of your car before you leave home (or your hotel, if visiting). And if you can’t remove items of value from your car, be sure to Hide them in the trunk long before you arrive at your destination. Purses, laptops, and handguns are high-value targets for thieves and are usually the items taken from vehicles that are broken into. Please visit Cobb Travel and Tourism (www.travelcobb.org) for additional information on other events and venues if you are visiting Cobb County for the first time.

See something, say something.

Yes, we will be out in numbers, but we can’t see everything and be everywhere. If you notice something out of place or a crime being committed, please call 9-1-1. Officers working in the area will be responding to 9-1-1 calls at The Battery and the surrounding areas in as quickly a manner as possible. With the increased number of officers on foot patrol our response time to calls will be greatly decreased (faster). Reporting criminal or suspicious activity as soon as possible can help keep everyone safe and quite possibly could avoid a potentially major dangerous situation for all.

We will have a number of officers on hand specifically to help direct traffic flow (both vehicular and pedestrian). In addition, our Twitter feed (@cobbpolice1) will post updates of any traffic events and/or emergencies. We’ll also post any newsworthy updates through Twitter as well. If you aren’t following us yet, head over to Twitter and add @cobbpolice1.

The Cobb County Police Department is proud to be part of this historic occasion. And our #1 priority is to maintain a safe environment for all as we celebrate and root on our hometown Braves.

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Cobb commissioners approve $350K for World Series security

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The Battery Atlanta, World Series Security
Additional police and security will be out in force around Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta this weekend for the first World Series games in Cobb County. (ECN file)

Here’s a very late addition to the Cobb Board of Commissioners meeting lineup Tuesday night:

Just as the Atlanta Braves are set to play their first World Series game in 22 years, commissioners will be approved spending up to $350,000 in “emergency” security and other costs for games played this weekend at Truist Park.

The vote was a unanimous 5-0.

The Braves play the Astros in Houston Tuesday and Wednesday; Games 3, 4 and 5 (if necessary) would be at Truist Park Friday, Saturday and Sunday, all evening games.

The county sent out a release late Tuesday afternoon saying that the money will come from its reserve and the expenses “could include such things as supplies, equipment, signage, and overtime.”

Cobb Finance Director William Volckmann told commissioners most of the money will be used for additional overtime for security and law enforcement.

County spokesman Ross Cavitt said in the release that Cobb public safety officials have been holding meetings with Major League Baseball and state and local officials.

Cobb Public Safety Director Randy Crider said in the release that baseline security procedures have already been established stemming from plans for the MLB All-Star Game, which was to have been at Truist Park in July.

However, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred relocated the game to Denver because of Georgia’s new elections law.

This weekend’s games will be the first World Series games to be played in Cobb County by the Braves. The franchise won its only World Series in 1995 in Atlanta at Atlanta Fulton-County Stadium.

Their last World Series was played at Turner Field in downtown Atlanta in 1999, when the Braves lost to the New York Yankees.

The Cobb statement said Cobb Police have cancelled leave, strengthened shifts and added special units “in order to increase manpower around the stadium.”

The release didn’t say how much more personnel would be in force, nor what any extra security or traffic measures would entail.

Truist Park has had five postseason games already in 2021, and the Braves clinched both of their previous series there, first against the Milwaukee Brewers and on Saturday against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Cobb release did say the following:

“Cobb Police and Cobb DOT have a proven traffic plan to get people in and out of the area, and they will be coordinating with GDOT and our neighboring cities to make sure fans can get in and out of the area as quickly and safely as possible. With a popular convention at the Galleria this weekend, county leaders are hoping as many area businesses as possible will encourage their employees to work remotely this Friday.”

Commission chairwoman Lisa Cupid:

“Much like the Braves, we faced some adversity earlier this year. But we are eager for the eyes of the sports world to see the unique venue that is Truist Park and the Battery Atlanta which has helped solidify Cobb County as one of the premier tourist destinations in the southeast.”

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UPDATED: Motorcyclist killed in Roswell Road crash Sunday

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East Cobb traffic alert

UPDATED, Monday, Oct. 11, 12:45 P.M.

Cobb Police said a motorcyclist was killed Sunday afternoon in a collision with a car at the intersection of Roswell Road and East Lake Parkway in East Cobb.

Officer Shenise Barner said in a release that Kathrynne L. Lynch, 28, of Marietta, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said Lynch was riding a red 2003 Kawasaki VN1600 motorcycle at 2:32 p.m. Sunday, heading west on Roswell Road in a left lane.

A tan 2005 Toyota Sienna was heading east on Roswell Road when it veered into the path of the motorcycle, causing a collision, according to police.

Police said the motorcycle came to a stop in the intersection, and the rider was ejected, landing nearby. The Toyota, police said, stopped in a parking lot on East Lake Parkway.

The driver of the Toyota was identified by police as Maria G. Razo-Tierrafria, 48, of Marietta. She and a juvenile passenger were not injured, according to police, who said Lynch’s next of kin have been notified.

Police said the crash remains under investigation and that anyone with information is asked to call Cobb Police investigators at 770-499-3987.

ORIGINAL REPORT:

Roswell Road westbound between Barnes Mill  Road and Robinson Road West is being blocked off by police after an accident.

We drove by shortly after 3 p.m. and saw emergency vehicles and investigators in the intersection (entrance to East Lake Shopping Center). There was an overturned motorcycle and a body next to it, covered.

Westbound traffic was backed up to East Piedmont Road.

This story will be updated.

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Cobb Police officers awarded Medal of Valor by Cobb Chamber

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Cobb Police Officers Medal Valor Cobb Chamber
Photo: Karl L. Moore/Mooreshots LLC, Courtesy of Cobb Chamber of Commerce

The Cobb Chamber of Commerce on Monday honored public safety personnel at its annual Public Safety Appreciation luncheon.

Among those honored were Cobb Police officers David Cavender, John Pearson and Bryan Moore, who responded to a carjacking in the Powers Ferry Road area in June 2020 that led to the shooting death of the suspect (previous ECN story here).

One of the officers was shot by the suspect, and for their work, they received the Chamber’s Medal of Valor, “the highest award recognizing an individual for an act of bravery in a life-threatening situation. The award is only presented when a deserving candidate is found.”

Here are more details about that incident:

On June 25, 2020, Cobb County Police officers responded to the area of Powers Ferry Road and Delk Road regarding a carjacking that had just occurred in a grocery parking lot. The victim reported that a male had brandished a knife and stole his Tesla vehicle. The suspect had arrived at the shopping center in a truck that he had earlier carjacked before fleeing in the Tesla. Cobb Police officers were able to locate the suspect and pursued him for several miles until the suspect abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. He fired several rounds from a rifle at the pursuing officers, who took cover and lost sight of the suspect. Cobb Police SWAT Team officers David Cavender and John Pearson responded to nearby townhomes where residents had called 911 after observing the suspect entering their complex.

Officer Bryan Moore, of the Cobb Police K-9 Unit, responded to the townhomes and spoke with a resident who said that he had seen the suspect run behind a trash dumpster at the end of a parking lot. As Officer Cavender and Officer Pearson approached the dumpster on opposing sides. Moments later the suspect fired on Officer Cavender without warning. Officer Cavender was struck in the right temple by shrapnel from the one of the suspect’s rounds that had hit the holographic sight on his rifle. As Cavender turned his head to the right, he was struck on the back of his head by another rifle round. Fortunately, the round only grazed his scalp, and he was able to return fire and move to cover behind a vehicle. As that was occurring, Officer Pearson quickly located the suspect and stopped the threat. Once additional officers arrived, Officer Pearson escorted Officer Cavender to the front of the townhomes complex to meet with medical personnel. A short time later, supervisors created a tactical plan to approach the suspect and found him deceased.

Officers Cavender, Pearson and Moore are veteran members of the Cobb Police SWAT Team and K9 Unit. As they were searching for the suspect in the residential area that had dozens of potential danger areas and hiding spots, the three officers utilized their tactical training to analyze the situation and make an effective plan to solve the crisis.  Had they not changed their approach route to the suspect’s location, the incident could have had fatal consequences for Officers Cavender, Pearson and Moore, as well as many other officers and dozens of civilians who were enjoying the summer evening.

The 2021 Public Safety Appreciation Breakfast was made possible with the support of our event sponsors, including Platinum Sponsors, Cobb EMC and Wellstar Health System; Awards Sponsor, LoRusso Law Firm; Gold Sponsors, Genuine Parts Company and Walton Communities; Silver Sponsors, Barrow Wrecker Services, C.W. Matthews Contracting Co. Inc., GLOCK, Governor’s Gun Club, Kennesaw State University, Marietta Wrecker, MetroAtlanta Ambulance Service, Puckett EMS, Six Flags Over Georgia, The Cooper Firm, and Vinings Bank; and Patriot Sponsors, E. Smith Heating & Air Conditioning, Georgia Power, Marietta Family Restaurants, Mauldin & Jenkins, and Northside Hospital.

For the latest information on Public Safety Appreciation Week, visit www.cobbchamber.org/publicsafety.

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Cobb Police searching for woman missing since Friday

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This just in from the Cobb County Police Department:Nefirtiti Powers, missing Cobb woman

Cobb County Police are seeking the public’s help in locating a missing woman. 39-year-old Nefirtiti Strothers was last seen wearing brown pants, black boots, a beige shirt on top of a purple shirt, and a multicolored scarf. Nefirtiti suffers from Cerebral Palsy and has limited motor functions as well as a diminished mental capacity. She was last seen at her job on Powers Ferry Road in Cobb County and was reported missing on September 24, 2021. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Cobb County Police Department’s Crimes Against Persons unit at 770-499-3945.

 

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Cobb Police shoot, kill man in NE Cobb domestic dispute

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Cobb Police kill man NE Cobb domestic dispute
Photo courtesy Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Cobb Police said early Friday that officers shot and killed a man overnight at a home in Northeast Cobb after responding to a domestic dispute.

Public Information Officer Wayne Delk said in a release that shortly after midnight, police were called via 911 to a home at 4592 North Landing Drive.

That’s off Kemp Road near Trickum Road, and Delk said that when officers arrived they found a male at the residence with a large hunting knife.

“At some point the armed male presented a threat to the officers and was shot by officers,” Delk said.

The man died of his wounds, and nobody else was injured, including the officers, Delk said.

He provided no other details, including the identity of the man who was killed. The investigation is being turned over to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which is standard procedure in an officer-involved shooting.

UPDATED:

The GBI issued a release after 3 p.m. Friday and identified the man who was shot and killed by police as Joseph Wilbanks, 41, of Marietta.

According to the release, an officer shot Wilbanks after he advanced toward police with the knife.

The release said the 911 call was made to Cobb Police in regarding a domestic dispute involving a suicidal man, but didn’t indicate if that was Wilbanks.

The GBI said after its investigation is complete, its report will be submitted to the Cobb County District Attorney’s office.

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Cobb County Sheriff’s Office warns of ‘grandparent’ scam

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Submitted information:

A scam known as the Grandparent Scam has been reported in Cobb County. The Scammers are calling residents in Cobb County and reporting their grandchild has been involved in an automobile accident, hurt, or arrested. The Scammers will ask for you to withdraw cash from your bank account and meet with a courier to turn over the money.Cobb sheriff

If you receive a suspicious phone call, hang up and verify the safety of your family. DO NOT give cash to an unknown individual as cash cannot be tracked.

If you have any questions or believe you may have been the victim of fraud, please call our Fraud Unit at 770-499-4752.

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Two injured in crash at Powers Ferry-Terrell Mill intersection

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Two motorists were taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital on Sunday, one of them with serious injuries, after their vehicles crashed in the intersection of Powers Ferry and Terrell Mill roads, according to Cobb Police.Northeast Cobb car crash, Cops on Donut Shops

Police said a yellow 2021 Subaru Crosstrek SUV was heading north on Powers Ferry Road in the right lane around 7:09 a.m. Sunday at the same time a red 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck was heading west on Terrell Mill Road in the right lane.

According to police investigators, the Subaru ignored a red traffic light and the vehicle struck the Ram, which had a green light, in the intersection.

Both vehicles were spun around, with the Subaru resting in the intersection, and the Ram stopping in the southbound left turn lanes of Powers Ferry, police said.

Police said Mayque Pereira, 28, of Marietta, the driver of the Ram, suffered serious injuries while David Toohill, 59, of Marietta, the driver of the Subaru, had non-life-threatening injuries. 

The crash remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to call Cobb Police at 770-499-3987.

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Back-to-School tips from Cobb Neighborhood Safety Commission

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Submitted information:Cobb Neighborhood Safety Commission school tips

As summer draws to a close and children start heading back to school, family life can get hectic. It’s important to remember – and share with your children – some key tips that will help keep them safe and healthy throughout the school year.

Transportation Safety

Whether children walk, ride their bicycle or take the bus to school, it is extremely important that they take proper safety precautions. Here are some tips to make sure your child safely travels to school: 

Walkers

Review your family’s walking safety rules and practice walking to school with your child. Walk on the sidewalk, if one is available; when on a street with no sidewalk, walk facing the traffic. Before you cross the street, stop and look left, right and left again to see if cars are coming. Make eye contact with drivers before crossing and always cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Stay alert and avoid distracted walking.

Bike Riders

Teach your child the rules of the road and practice riding the bike route to school with your child.
Ride on the right side of the road, with traffic, and in a single file;

  • Come to a complete stop before crossing the street; walk bikes across the street
  • Stay alert and avoid distracted riding
  • Make sure your child always wears a properly fitted helmet and bright clothing.

Bus Riders

Teach your children school bus safety rules and practice with them. Go to the bus stop with your child to teach them the proper way to get on and off the bus. Teach your children to stand 6 feet (or three giant steps) away from the curb. If your child must cross the street in front of the bus, teach him or her to walk on the side of the road until they are 10 feet ahead of the bus; your child and the bus driver should always be able to see each other. Here are some injury facts on bus safety.

Driving Your Child to School

Stay alert and avoid distracted driving. Obey school zone speed limits and follow your school’s drop-off procedure. Make eye contact with children who are crossing the street. Never pass a bus loading or unloading children. The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them to safely enter and exit the bus.

Teen Drivers

Car crashes are the No. 1 cause of death for teens. Fortunately, there is something we can do.
Teens crash because they are inexperienced; practice with new drivers every week, before and after they get their license. Set a good example; drive the way you want your teen to drive. Sign the New Driver Deal, an agreement that helps define expectations for parents and teens.

For additional information please see:
School Safety – National Safety Council (nsc.org)

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Cobb jail returns to ‘strict COVID-19 protocols’ after 51 new cases

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Submitted information:Cobb sheriff

As cases of the COVID-19 Delta variant continue to rise, the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office has also seen an increase in positive cases among staff and detainees in the Adult Detention Center. 

After mass polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing on July 28th, 51 individuals tested positive for the novel coronavirus; however, the majority are not exhibiting symptoms.

To keep people safe and reduce the spread of the virus, Sheriff Owens has implemented the following measures: 

  • individuals receive a rapid test upon booking in the Adult Detention Center;

  • upon booking, detainees are placed in a separate pod for 14 days; 

  • detainees may request a COVID-19 test at any time;

  • any detainee exhibiting symptoms will receive a test and be placed in a separate pod; and

  • masks are now mandatory, regardless of vaccination status. 

“The data is clear; the Delta variant is especially dangerous for the unvaccinated,” said Sheriff Craig D. Owens, Sr. “I urge our employees and all detainees to take advantage of the free, safe COVID-19 vaccine for their safety and the safety of the general public.” 

The Sheriff’s Office has already vaccinated more than 475 detainees and continues to work with the county judges to vaccinate those with upcoming court trials.

“Unfortunately, misinformation has resulted in vaccine hesitancy within the Adult Detention Center,” the sheriff added. “We are organizing a vaccine education clinic with outside professionals to address detainees’ concerns and encourage full participation in our next vaccine clinic.” 

The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to doing everything possible to keep detainees safe during this unprecedented time. 

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Cobb Police to hold ‘National Night Out’ event Aug. 3

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Submitted information:

Cobb County Police Department will host a National Night Out celebration 6-9 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 3, at Jim R. Miller Park. This fun event will feature food trucks, live music and a variety of entertainment. Other public safety departments, including Cobb Animal Services, Cobb Fire and Emergency Services, Cobb Sheriff’s Office, Cobb 911 and Cobb Emergency Management Agency.

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. It also provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.

Make plans to bring your family out on Aug. 3 to spend a fun-filled evening getting to know one another in a relaxed and celebratory environment with staff from Cobb PD, Cobb Sheriff’s Office, Cobb Fire and Emergency Services, Cobb 911 and Cobb Emergency Management Agency.Cobb Police National Night Out

 

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Motorist killed, 5 injured in I-75 crash between Delk/South Loop

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Cobb Police said a motorist was killed and five others were injured early Wednesday morning in a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 75, and that the driver of one of those vehicles is being sought.Northeast Cobb car crash, Cops on Donut Shops

Cobb Police Sgt. Wayne Delk said in a release that an unidentified adult male driver of one of the vehicles was pronounced dead at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital.

Four occupants of another vehicle also were taken there with what Delk said were non-life-threatening injuries, and the driver of their car escaped on foot and remains at-large.

Cobb Police said the driver of the third vehicle, Juan Trejo, 56, of Cumming, is at Kennestone with non-life threatening injuries.

Police said that a green 2010 Chevrolet Express van was traveling northbound on I-75 between Delk Road and the South Marietta Loop around 5:21 a.m. when a tire went flat.

When the van attempted to change lanes to the right it was rear-ended by a white 2008 Ford F-150 truck, driven by Trejo. Both vehicles came to a stop in a center lane of the interstate as a result, and then a white 2006 Toyota Scion XB crashed into the rear of the truck, police said.

The Toyota came to a stop in the right lane, according to police, and the driver of that car was seriously injured and later died at the hospital.

Police said the driver of the Chevrolet left the scene on foot before the arrival of first responders, who attended to four injured male occupants of that vehicle, who were taken to the hospital.

Cobb Police said the investigation is continuing and that anyone with information is asked to call 770-499-3987.

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Cobb Public Safety to hold fall Citizens Public Safety Academy

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Submitted information:

The Cobb County Department of Public Safety (DPS) will host its fall session of the Citizens Public Safety Academy (CPSA) starting Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at 6 p.m. The 13-week program provides an opportunity for Cobb County citizens to get an inside look into the many facets of public safety. Participants will learn how Police, Fire, Animal Services, and 911 departments are organized and the important role each one plays to ensure the safety of all the citizens of Cobb County.Cobb public safety appreciation

In order to participate, interested citizens need to be at least 21 years of age and either live in Cobb County, work for Cobb County Government, or work for Cobb County Schools.

The start date is Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at 6 p.m. at the Cobb County Public Safety Police Academy located at 2435 East West Connector, Austell Ga, 30106.

All applicants must fill out an application and undergo a background check. The application can be emailed or picked up in person at the Police Academy (2435 East West Connector). Applicants can email Sergeant Verola at Victor.Verola@cobbcounty.org to receive an emailed copy of the application. However, the completed application will need to be taken to the Cobb County Internal Affairs Department located at 545 South Fairground Street, Marietta, Ga, 30060. Applicants will need to bring their driver’s license. The deadline to register is September 1, 2021 at 3 p.m.

The first night of the CPSA will meet at the Cobb County Public Safety Police Academy at 6 p.m. Participants will meet the training staff, receive a brief presentation, and tour the Academy grounds. All subsequent classes will be conducted every Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. at other various Cobb County Public Safety locations. Graduation will be on the 13th week of the course.

A few of the planned activities include:

  • Meeting with distinguished member of the Public Safety Department.
  • Touring the 911 Communications Center and the Animal Services facility.
  • Receiving demonstrations from DPS Police Training on firearms safety and defensive tactics.
  • Participating in classes from the Fire Department Special Operations (Hazardous Materials, Heavy Rescue Squad, etc).

The complete schedule will be provided on the first night along with additional information.

If you have any questions about the Cobb County Citizens Public Safety Academy, please contact the Police Academy at 770-499-4100.

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Lassiter graduate killed in motorcycle crash in Kennesaw

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For the second time in as many weeks, a member of the Lassiter High School community has died in tragic circumstances.Dylan Nekrasas, Lassiter graduate killed motorcycle crash

Dylan Paul Nekrasas, 19, who graduated from Lassiter in 2020, was killed in a motorcycle crash on Saturday near the Kennesaw State University campus.

Cobb Police said he was riding a motorcycle eastbound on Big Shanty Road at Hidden Forest Court Saturday around 2:30 p.m. when it crashed into a BMW heading northbound on Hidden Forest Court and that was trying to turn left onto Big Shanty.

Nekrasas was thrown from the motorcycle and landed on Big Shanty Road, then was hit by another BMW, according to police.

Police said Nekrasas was given medical attention but was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to police, the driver of the first BMW, Olivia Swanigan, 27, of Tylertown, Miss., was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital with chest pains and a shortness of breath, and the driver of the other BMW, Walter Leeper, 68, of Acworth, was not injured.

Police said that speed was a factor in the crash and they don’t expect to file charges.

The Lassiter PTSA linked to an online tribute page. Nekrasas was a student at KSU, where, according to a family message, he was studying “to be a marketer just like his dad.

“Dylan was our free spirit and was always up for an adventure,” the message read. “He loved hockey, lacrosse, and the outdoors, and lived his life to the fullest. He was shy yet a deep thinker with a heart of gold. Dylan had a loving heart and would always help a friend in need. His loss is devastating to those who knew and loved him.”

A celebration of life service is scheduled for Saturday at 3 p.m. at Northside Chapel (12050 Crabapple Road, Roswell).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Arbor Day Foundation. Links and more information can be found on the tribute page.

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Cobb Police: Country club homicide suspect ‘not an active threat to the public’

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Cobb Police said Tuesday they’re still seeking a suspect in a triple homicide that took at Pinetree Country Club near Kennesaw on Saturday.Northeast Cobb car crash, Cops on Donut Shops

Sgt. Wayne Delk, a Cobb Police spokesman, said in a release that “current information reveals there is not an active threat to the public at large and there was not a directed threat to residents of the neighborhood.”

He didn’t elaborate further and no description of the unidentified suspect has been provided.

Gene Siller, 46, the golfing director at Pinetree, was found with a shotgun wound to the head on the 10th hole of the course around 2:20 p.m. Saturday afternoon, and was pronounced dead on the scene.

Two other men were found dead in the back of a white Ram 3500 pick-up truck that was also located on the 10th green.

Delk said Tuesday that detectives believe that Siller was caught up in a “crime in progress” involving the suspect and the other two men.

“It does not appear Siller was in any way targeted, but rather was killed because he witnessed an active crime taking place,” Delk said in a Cobb Police statement Tuesday.

One of the other men who died was identified as Paul Pierson, 76, of Kansas, whom police said was the registered owner of the pickup truck. The other victim was not identified but police said he’s believed to be Hispanic.

UPDATE: Cobb Police said Wednesday that the other victim in the truck has been identified as Henry Valdez, 46, of California.

Those two men, Delk said, “appear to have no relation to the location at all.” He said that “we are aware that the public has many questions, the most pressing one being why this happened; however, it is too early in the investigation to speculate as to motive.”

Delk said that anyone with information should contact Cobb Police detectives at 770-499-4111 or at cobbpolicecrimetips@cobbcounty.org.

A fundraiser has been established for Siller’s family that’s already raised most of the $500,000 goal.

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