UPDATED: Motorcyclist killed in Roswell Road crash Sunday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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’

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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When, where and how to use fireworks in Cobb County

After a presentation earlier this week from Cobb Fire & Emergency Services with safety-related tips for handling fireworks, Cobb County government has compiled the following information about when you can use them:Cobb fireworks New Year's Eve

FIREWORKS USE IN COBB COUNTY
Cobb County Code bans the use of fireworks from 9 p.m. to 10 a.m. This is spelled out in the county’s code under the noise ordinances. Violations are a misdemeanor offense and you can view the noise ordinances by going here: Cobb County Noise Ordinance

However, the state legislature has spelled out several exemptions to the county code in O.C.G.A. § 25-10-1 et seq. This allows exemptions to county ordinances for use of fireworks on specific dates and times.

  • December 31 (New Year’s Eve) – Fireworks may be discharged until 1 a.m.
  • January 1 (New Year’s Day) – Fireworks may be discharged until midnight.
  • The last Saturday and Sunday in May – Fireworks may be discharged until midnight.
  • July 3 – Fireworks may be discharged until midnight.
  • July 4 – Fireworks may be discharged until midnight.
  • The first Monday in September – Fireworks may be discharged until midnight.

To view the Georgia code section regarding fireworks visit:  O.C.G.A. § 25-10-2 Fireworks in County Parks — Pyrotechnics are prohibited at ALL county parks per County Ordinance § 90-63. 

Sec. 90-63. – Restricted or Prohibited Uses of Park Facilities

  1. Pyrotechnics prohibited

   It shall be unlawful for any persons to possess, display, use, set off, or ignite any firecracker, fireworks, smoke bombs, rockets, or other pyrotechnics.

We wish you a safe and happy Fourth of July holiday weekend and a glorious summer.  Please be courteous and safe!

 

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Woman arrested after toddler found in Chattahoochee River

Toddler found Chattahoochee River
GBI sketch by Kelly Johnson.

Cobb Police said Friday they’ve arrested a Stone Mountain woman and charged her with concealing the death of another person after a toddler’s body was recovered from the banks of the Chattahoochee River in Cobb County on Thursday.

Sgt. Wayne Delk, a Cobb Police spokesman, said in a release that Breyania Cooper, 27, was booked into the Cobb County Adult Detention Center and is being held without bond.

Police said Cobb Fire and rescue personnel conducting a training session along the Chattahoochee River discovered the body of an unidentified child between the ages of 1 and 3 on Thursday morning in the Palisades Unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (3444 Cobb Parkway).

Cobb Police and National Park Service Rangers were called to the scene and the Cobb Police Crimes Against Persons Unit got involved, according to police, who said the child’s body was placed in the custody of the Cobb County Medical Examination.

Police said that they believe that the child’s body was in the water “for more than a day or two” and it’s possible the child could have been missing from a location north of Cobb County.

Police said they are asking for the public’s help in identifying the child, and late Friday afternoon released a Georgia Bureau of Investigation artist’s sketch of the child.

Delk said Friday police have not established a connection between the child and Cooper, but that tips from the public led to identifying her as a suspect.

toddler's body found Chattahoochee River
A toddler’s body was found off Cobb Parkway in the Palisades Unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Source: Open Street Map.

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Cobb Fire and Emergency Services demonstrates fireworks safety

Cobb Fireworks safety tips

Before beginning Independence Day weekend festivities, Cobb Fire and Emergency Services is asking that you practice some common-sense safety tips regarding fireworks.

The agency held a press conference and safety demonstration earlier this week, and DO watch to the end of the nearly 10-minute video  below to see what can happen if you don’t take the simplest of precautions.

At the press conference, Cobb Fire officials said there was a related incident that occurred in the county over the weekend. Although they declined to go into too many details, they said the incident included injuries to lower limbs.

The leading fireworks safety statistic, according to the National Fire Professionals Association, is children handling sparklers.

You’re even being advised NOT to use a hand sanitizer before handling fireworks, because that can also produce a dangerous situation.

But the general message is even more adamant—if you’re not a pro at handling fireworks, leave that to the professionals.

More safety-related information can be found by clicking here.

 

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Lassiter student, father killed in crash; family members injured

Lassiter student killed in crash
A fundraising effort identified family members from L-R as Chris Rountree, Libby Rountree, Erica Rountree and Cate Rountree.

The Lassiter High School community is mourning the death of a student in a car crash over the weekend that also killed her father and seriously injured her mother and sister.

That’s according to a fundraiser started for the Rountree family after a Saturday crash in south Georgia.

Libby Rountree, 17, and her father, Chris Rountree, 53, were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash on U.S. Highway 441 near Dublin on Saturday afternoon, according to a news report in Macon, which also said that two other passengers in their car were injured.

Shaun Cunningham, the organizer for the fundraiser, said Erica Rountree, Chris’ wife, and another daughter, Cate, were also in the car and “sustained serious injuries that have put them both in critical condition.”

Cunningham said Cate Rountree, a 2019 graduate of Mt. Bethel Christian Academy, has undergone two surgeries. In a family update, Erica Rountree wrote that “I’m not sure how we left behind will manage. That is a big question mark with no answer.”

The Rountrees were returning home from a family vacation in Florida when the crash occurred.

The Macon news report said that a Volkswagen Jetta traveling north on U.S. 441 was hit head-on by a GMC Sierra truck that was traveling in the wrong direction around 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

The Volkwagen was carrying the Rountree family, and the Georgia State Patrol said that the driver of the car (later identified as Chris Rountree) tried to avoid a crash, but could not.

The report said the truck hit the front driver’s side of the Volkswagen. “Chris did his absolute best to swerve out of the way, but the driver was going so fast there wasn’t time and he took the full impact on the driver’s side and Libby was sitting behind him,” Erica Rountree wrote. “His actions saved Cate’s and my lives without a doubt. He has always been our protector and shield and I don’t know what we’ll do without him.”

On Monday, Lassiter principal Chris Richie sent out a message to the school community with the news, saying that “there are no words that could ease the pain that has devastated our Lassiter family and left us heartbroken.”

Libby Rountree was a rising senior and soccer player at Lassiter, and also played in the East Cobb-based NASA Tophat youth soccer program.

“Libby will be remembered as a generous young lady whose smile, infectious laughter, and artistic abilities brought happiness to many students and teachers at Lassiter,” Richie said. “Libby was well-loved by her peers, coaches, and teachers. Libby was a valuable member of the Lassiter community, and we will always remember her for her kindness and loving spirit.”

An evening of prayer has been arranged for the Rountree family Thursday from 5-7 p.m. in the Upper Room of Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church (4385 Lower Roswell Road).

“All are welcome,” Cunningham wrote. “Bring notes, cards, etc. Libby’s soccer team will be there.”

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3 lanes of I-75 north at Roswell Road closed after accident

I-75 NB lanes closed Roswell Road
A Georgia 511 traffic screenshot of the lane closures on I-75 northbound above Roswell Road.

Marietta Police are urging motorists not to use Interstate 75 north at Roswell Road Sunday afternoon after an accident shut down three left lanes.

Police issued an alert around 12:30 p.m. saying the clean-up would take between 5 and 8 hours, and that the lane closures were necessary to make repairs.

“A hole in this overpass has closed the #3 lane from the left wall and will require a detour of traffic” for several hours, the alert read, suggesting use of the North or Marietta Parkway as alternate routes.

Georgia 511 camera footage shows backups on I-75 north to I-285, and even some of the detour routes are starting to back up, including Roswell Road at Cobb Parkway.

I-75 NB at Delk Road
Northhbound traffic on I-75 north at Delk Road is heavily backed up.

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Man dies after East Cobb motorcycle crash on Roswell Road

East Cobb motorcycle crash
A reader-submitted photo of a motorcycle that crashed with a Lincoln at Roswell and Providence roads Thursday night.

A 58-year-old Marietta man was killed Thursday night after his motorcycle crashed with a car on Roswell Road in East Cobb, according to police.

Cobb Police said Casey Sullivan was pronounced dead at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital after being taken there following the crash, which took place on Roswell Road near its eastern intersection with Providence Road.

Sullivan was heading westbound on Roswell on a BMW R1200 RT that collided with a Lincoln MKX driven by Preksha Bhargava, 22, of Marietta, around 6:54 p.m., according to police.

Police said the Lincoln was headed east on Roswell and was attempting a left turn onto Providence Road when the crash occurred.

Sullivan was thrown from his motorcycle on contact and the car Bhargava was driving crashed into a Toyota Tundra waiting at a red traffic light on Providence Road, according to police.

Police said Bhargava was not injured but a 16-year-old male passenger in the Lincoln had minor injuries. The Toyota driver, Alan Dunbar, 56, of Marietta, and three passengers in that vehicle—Karen Dunbar, 56, of Marietta; Elizabeth Dunbar, 56, of Port Saint Lucie, Fla.; Nathan Dunbar, 18, of Marietta—were uninjured, according to police.

Police said the collision remains under investigation and anyone with information should contact Cobb Police at 770-499-3987.

 

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‘Crawling burglar’ suspect charges include Tokyo Valentino theft

Tokyo Valentino East Cobb

An Atlanta man alleged to have crawled his way into numerous Cobb County businesses since last fall by breaking or removing windows is accused of stealing more than $21,000 in money and merchandise from the Tokyo Valentino store in East Cobb.

According to an arrest warrant dated June 1, Aron Jermaine Major, 47, burglarized the adult retail business on Johnson Ferry Road early in the morning of Oct. 20, 2020, taking lingerie, sex enhancement pills, CBD products, sex toys and gift cards.

He’s facing more than a dozen burglary and related charges for a spree that Cobb Police said began last September and continued through mid-March of this year.

A dozen warrants were taken out against Major on June 1 for those and other offenses, following a search warrant at his residence, according to Cobb Sheriff’s Office records, which indicate the suspect was taken into custody on that date and remains at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center.

An arrest warrant for Major states that the Tokyo Valentino burglary took place shortly after 6 a.m. on Oct. 20, with a suspect removing a window pane on the side of the store building (1290 Johnson Ferry Road) to gain entry.

The store manager reported to police that 61 lingerie sets were missing, as were 400 male sex enhancement pills, five pairs of high heels, two fetish straps, two doorway sex swings, 25 sex toys, 500 $25 gift cards, 17 bottles of CBD oil and tincture, six tins of Kratom powder and nearly $1,000 in cash.

The warrant further states that when police got a search warrant for Major’s residence on June 1, they found 447 packets of male sex enhancement pills and a door sex swing, items that the Tokyo Valentino manager verified were from the East Cobb store.

The same warrant states that after leaving Tokyo Valentino on Oct. 20, the suspect tried to go inside the Starbuck’s Coffee shop at 2424 Roswell Road, near East Piedmont Road, by removing a glass window pane and leaving it in a dumpster.

That’s in the vicinity of an oil change shop and a restaurant Major is accused of burglarizing on March 3-4, 2021, according to the warrants.

A warrant states that a man broke into the Havoline Express Oil Change (2525 Roswell Road) between 7 p.m. March 3 and 7:30 a.m. March 4 by removing glass in the front of the business, taking money from a register and replacing the window.

At Peace, Love and Pizza (1050 E. Piedmont Road), another glass window was removed, and the suspect was captured by a surveillance video crawling on the floor to reach a register and taking more than $2,000.

“The images seen on CCTV (clothes, height, weight) as well as the modus operandi is that of the said accused and has been seen in burglaries in multiple other burglaries as indicated” in the warrants, that particular warrant states.

The warrants show that on the same day, March 4, Major burglarized two restaurants on Lower Roswell Road, Ming’s Asian Kitchen and Red Curry Thai.

The suspect took cash from Ming’s (4665 Lower Roswell Road) by breaking into a back door by breaking glass around 11 a.m. and taking a register, the warrant states. At Red Curry Thai (4724 Lower Roswell Road), according to the warrant, the suspect removed a glass pane from the front door to gain access and took cash from a register.

Three other East Cobb restaurants were burglarized by Major during his spree, according to the warrants: The Wing Cafe and Tap House and Fuji Hana on Sept. 22, 2020, and a Mellow Mushroom restaurant on March 18, 2021.

On Sept. 22, shortly after 5 a.m., a warrant states that Major cut away a glass pane at The Wing Cafe (2145 Roswell Road) and pried open a locked door, then attempted to remove a safe. The warrant states that he failed, but managed to open an ATM machine inside the restaurant and took $300 in cash.

Roughly an hour later, the warrant states Major smashed open a pane of glass to enter Fuji Hana (1255 Johnson Ferry Road), and was seen on a video camera stealing a safe and putting it on a rolling cart. The suspect was seen taking cash out of a register and rolling the safe on the cart to the parking lot and leaving with them.

The June 1 search warrant indicated that police discovered business checks from Fuji Hana in Major’s possession.

The last incident that has been connected to Major was a burglary at Mellow Mushroom (2000 Powers Ferry Road) between 5:55 a.m. and 6:18 a.m. on March 18. That warrant states that a male removed a glass panel from the front of the restaurant and crawled inside, looking for cash, alcohol and cigarettes.

Other businesses named in the warrants include restaurants and retail shops in the Town Center, Marietta and Acworth areas.

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