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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GBI identifies suspect killed by Cobb Police in Sunday shooting

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating the shooting death of a man Cobb Police said shot at one of their officers before he was killed by police Sunday afternoon in northwest Cobb.GBI drug trafficking arrests NE Cobb home search

The GBI said in a release late Monday morning that Luis Rey Ruiz, 20, died at the scene after being shot by Cobb Police during a manhunt on North Shores Road.

That’s close to the residential address of a 911 call reported to authorities around 3:30 p.m. regarding an alleged domestic dispute, according to the GBI.

GBI spokeswoman Natalie Ammons said that when Cobb Police arrived at a home at 5866 North Shores Road in Acworth, a man later identified as Rey shot at one of the officers.

Ruiz then ran from the scene, and Cobb Police deployed a SWAT unit in pursuit, according to the GBI, which said that officers found him at 5870 North Shores Road. Ammons said that several officers shot at Ruiz and he died on the scene, and police later found a firearm next to him.

She said the Cobb County Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct an autopsy on Ruiz.

The GBI said the officer he is alleged to have shot during the initial call is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to recover.

As is the case in officer-involved shootings, the GBI will conduct an investigation and turn over its findings to the Cobb District Attorney’s Office.

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East Cobb man indicted for shooting at police in standoff

An East Cobb man charged with shooting at police officers during a standoff at his home last fall has been indicted on 14 felony counts by a Cobb grand jury.East Cobb grandfather sentenced

The Cobb District Attorney’s office said that that Donald Terry Welborn was indicted on Thursday on nine counts of aggravated assault against a police officer, three counts of aggravated assault and two counts of possessing a firearm while committing a felony.

Welborn, 57, was arrested at his home on Kingsley Drive (off Post Oak Tritt Road and near Johnson Ferry Road) on Sept. 22, 2020, hours after neighbors began hearing shots from his residence around 5:30 a.m.

Cobb Police, including a SWAT unit, arrived on the scene, beginning a standoff that closed off the New Castle neighborhood for the rest of the morning.

During the standoff, police said Welborn shot at multiple officers as negotiators tried to get him to come out of the home. According to the indictment, Welborn took aim at nine different officers.

He was taken into custody about six hours later with no injuries and was charged with eight felony counts, police said.

Welborn remains at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center without bond, according to Cobb Sheriff’s Office booking records.

In February, Welborn’s attorney attempted to have his client’s case assigned to a mental health court, but that request was turned down by the Cobb District Attorney’s office.

According to Cobb Superior Court records, assistant district attorney Maurice Brown told Robert Citronberg that “Defendant’s offense does not appear to be sufficiently connected to Defendant’s health diagnosis” but did not elaborate.

According to a criminal warrant taken out against Welborn, he went into a bedroom where Susan Welborn was sleeping, then shot at a ceiling fan.

Cobb court records indicate that she is Welborn’s wife, but they had been separated. Susan Welborn filed for divorce in Cobb Superior Court on the same day of the shootings.

The warrant also states that Welborn was inside his residence when he shot at the homes of two neighbors, one next door and another across the street, striking their homes, before police arrived.

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Update: Suspect in Northeast Cobb home shooting captured

UPDATED Tuesday, May 25, 9:50 p.m.:

Cobb Police said Tuesday night that Cody Demmitt has been captured in Arkansas.

ORIGINAL REPORT:

The Cobb Police Department late Monday afternoon released a photo of a man suspected of injuring one person during a shooting on Sunday at a home in Northeast Cobb.

Cody Demmitt, Northeast Cobb home shooting suspect

Police said they’ve obtained an arrest warrant for Cody Demmitt, who remains at-large and is wanted for aggravated assault.

According to a police release, Demmitt shot multiple rounds at a residence at 3760 Westchase Drive, located in the Canterbury Ridge subdivision off Canton Road and near Hawkins Store Road.

Police said their detectives said were called to the home at 11:30 p.m. Sunday after a shooting had been reported.

Police said they found a male with a gunshot wound to a shoulder, and he was taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Police said Demmitt is a neighbor of the victim, and had not been allowed to attend a party at the home. Demmitt fired several shots in the house and fled the scene before law enforcement arrived, police said.

Anyone with information about the incident should call Cobb County Police Department’s Crimes Against Persons Unit at 770-499-3945.

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East Cobb apartment fire destroys 1 unit; 2 pets rescued

The Hills at East Cobb, East Cobb apartment fire

Cobb firefighters on Wednesday limited an apartment fire in East Cobb to one unit, and rescued two pets along the way.

One unit was heavily damaged and another sustained water damage at The Hills at East Cobb (1716 Terrell Mill Road), according to a department social media posting Wednesday evening.

Cobb FD said that “12 firefighting apparatus arrived on scene to fight fire, search, provide water, and evacuate residents.”

There were no injuries, and two pets were rescued. A grease fire that started in the kitchen of one of the units threatened up to nine adjacent units and 20 more units in a connecting building, according to Cobb FD.

“Most house fires start in the kitchen. Never leave food unattended and make sure your heating elements are turned off,” the Cobb FD said after the fire had been contained.

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The Hills at East Cobb, East Cobb apartment fire

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Richardson to hold women’s self-defense class at East Cobb Park

Richardson self-defense class

Submitted information:

In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, District Two Commissioner Jerica Richardson is hosting a women’s self-defense class and fundraiser 10 a.m.-noon, Saturday, April 24, at East Cobb Park. The class will be taught by A.C.T. Women’s Self-Defense and Chi Budo Kwon Martial Arts. Each participant should complete registration, have a partner (if possible), wear a mask and comfortable clothes and bring water. To register, click here. East Cobb Park is located at 3322 Roswell Road, Marietta.

The Cobb based nonprofit LiveSafe Resources provides help for sexual assault and domestic abuse survivors. To donate to this worthy cause, visit livesaferesources.org/donate.

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Crime Victims’ Rights Week events include Cobb observations

Submitted information:Crime Victims Rights Week

Cobb District Attorney Flynn D. Broady, Jr. announces that several events are planned to mark National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 18-24. This year’s theme is “Support Victims. Build Trust. Engage Communities.”

“Victims suffer emotionally, physically, and financially from the criminal acts committed against them. As a community and as service providers, we have an obligation to recognize the impact of crime on victims and to provide resources and assistance to help victims heal,” said Kim McCoy, Director of the Victim Witness Assistance Unit in the Cobb DA’s Office. “This week of recognition and these planned events reinforce the commitment of this office to serve crime victims with dignity, respect, and honor and to engage community partners in the continuation of victim services, to build trust, and to engage the entire community in these efforts.”

This year marks the 40th anniversary of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. First designated by President Ronald Reagan in 1981, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week increases public awareness of, and knowledge about the wide range of rights and services available to people who have been victimized by crime.

Local Crime Victims’ Rights Week events will include:

April 13 – The Cobb Board of Commissioners will present a proclamation to mark Cobb County Crime Victims’ Rights Week during the Commission’s 9 a.m. meeting at 100 Cherokee St. in Marietta. Meetings are shown on cable TV; on the county’s website, www.cobbcounty.org; and on the Cobb County Government YouTube channel.

April 18 – The Crime Victims Advocacy Council and First Baptist Church, Decatur, will host the 31st Annual Homicide Memorial, from 3-5 p.m. outside at the church, 308 Clairemont Ave., Decatur. Please RSVP at www.cvaconline.org. DA Broady will be speaking at this event.

April 22, 1 p.m. – Georgia’s Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and partner agencies will host a virtual ceremony. Visit Georgia.cjcc.gov by April 15 to register. 

April 24 – Premiere of “Run for Justice,” a virtual 5K run/walk fund-raiser to benefit liveSAFE Resources, Inc. and SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center. This year, participation is limited to our office and partner agencies, though our goal is to make this is annual public event beginning in 2022.

In addition, Cobb recently embarked on a multi-year project to establish a Family Justice Center to better serve victims of domestic and interpersonal family violence, child and elder abuse, and human trafficking. Project partners will attend the 21st Annual International Family Justice Center Conference, hosted by the Alliance for Hope.

Cobb’s FJC Site Coordinator TaNesha McAuley is also conducting several Listening Tours with community partners to learn about the services they provide to victims, and providing education on the FJC model.

The Listening Tour will ultimately expand into our Cobb communities as residents are invited to be part of the planning, development, and implementation of Cobb’s FJC. For FJC updates, visit www.cobbda.com or email fjccobb@cobbcounty.org.

Residents can stay informed about events, and look for a series of brief videos for Crime Victims’ Rights Week, on Facebook, @cobbda.

For information about national efforts to promote 2021 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, visit the Office for Victims of Crime website at www.ovc.gov and the National Organization for Victim Assistance at www.trynova.org/ncvrw.

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East Cobb man gets life sentence for killing home contractor

Larry Epstein, East Cobb man gets life sentence
Larry Epstein has been in custody since the March 6, 2019 shootings at his home on Wellington Lane.

An East Cobb homeowner set to go on trial next month for shooting a home contractor to death and seriously wounding another has been sentenced to life in prison.

During a plea hearing in Cobb Superior Court on Tuesday, Larry Epstein, 70, pleaded guilty but mentally ill to murder, aggravated assault and possession of a weapon while committing a felony, according to the Cobb District Attorney’s office.

He has been in the Cobb County Adult Detention Center since March 2019 for shooting Jake Horne, then 21, and Gordon Montcalm, then 38, who were leaving his home after doing some electrical contracting work.

Horne was sitting in a van outside Epstein’s home on Wellington Lane off Johnson Ferry Road on March 6, 2019 when he was shot execution-style in the head with a .22-caliber handgun with a suppressor, according to the Cobb DA’s office.

According to statements at Tuesday’s hearing, Montcalm was getting ready to leave in another vehicle and tried to get away, but Epstein fired his gun at him several times.

According to testimony offered at Tuesday’s hearing, Epstein’s wife arrived at the home just before police arrived, and Montcalm screamed at her that Epstein had shot him and Horne.

The Cobb DA’s office said Montcalm escaped to a neighboring home and wounds to his face, back and arms were treated by a nurse living at that home and who called 911.

Horne was taken off life support the following day at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, where Montcalm was hospitalized with long recovery.

“Epstein executed Jake, robbing him of life’s most precious experiences—owning a home, getting married, having children—at the young age of 21. And even though Montcalm survived, he is forever scarred, both physically and emotionally,” said Jesse Evans, the Cobb deputy chief assistant district attorney.

Horne’s uncle John Savell told the court the loss of his nephew leaves an “unfillable void,” according to the Cobb DA’s office, which said Montcalm did not attend the hearing but supported the case being resolved without a trial.

Cobb jury trials are set to resume in April after nearly a year of backlogs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier this month Epstein’s attorney tried to delay the trial until August, saying that his client wanted to be vaccinated against COVID-19 before having a trial. Cobb Superior Court Judge Ann Harris also had ordered a psychiatric evaluation of Epstein, whose attorney has said in court filings suffers from mental illness.

At Tuesday’s hearing, prosecutors said that after officers arrived at the Epstein home, they discovered a surveillance camera video that showed part of the murder.

Police blocked off the street, and the Cobb DA’s office said that after Epstein surrendered peacefully, he waived his Miranda rights.

Testimony introduced at the hearing said during a search warrant at Epstein’s home, officers found firearms, including the murder weapon and the suppressor hidden in the garage.

Prosecutors aid the handgun was “positively linked by ballistics testing to the shootings of Horne and Montcalm.”

The day after Epstein’s arrest, his wife filed for divorce.

Harris called the incident an “irreparable tragedy” as she issued the life sentence.

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Cobb first responders treated to public safety appreciation lunch

Cobb first responders appreciation lunch

Submitted information and photos:

On Thursday, March 25th, The Janice Overbeck Real Estate Team held an appreciation barbeque lunch to honor local police, firemen, EMT’s and military personnel. The Capital City Home Loans grilling food truck grilled up burgers and hotdogs with a variety of sides sponsored by other local partners.

Attendees were welcome to use the “social distancing patio” to enjoy their meal or take it on the road. Event sponsors and members of the Janice Overbeck Real Estate Team were able to socialize and meet all of the local first responder and military attendees and thank them for what they do day-to-day. There were also puppies available for adoption at the event.

Additional sponsors for the event included: Arrow Exterminators, Amerispec Home Inspection, Straight Line Roofing and Restoration, JG Artisan Painting, Aroma Ridge Coffee, The Hathaway Agency Insurance, 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty, Chick-fil-A East Lake, Panera Bread and Perrie & Associates.

Local Cobb County and surrounding area first responders, police, fire, detective units and military were all invited. Lunch was also packed up and delivered to Cobb County 911 dispatch by The Hathaway Agency Insurance. For more information on community events at the Janice Overbeck Team office, visit: www.JaniceOverbeck.com.

Cobb first responders appreciation lunch
David Perrie of Perrie and Associates Law Firm, Nathalie Jegg of Cobb County Police, and Janice Overbeck of the Janice Overbeck Real Estate Team.

Cobb first responders appreciation lunch
Kristen, an agent of the Janice Overbeck Real Estate Team, along with Bryan of Arrow Exterminators (a sponsor of the event).

Cobb first responders appreciation lunch
Jermaine and Janay of JG Artisan Painting (sponsors of the event) along with Imarii, Veterans Outreach Coordinator at Emory Healthcare Veterans Program.

Cobb first responders appreciation lunch
A local police officer spending time with one of the puppies up for adoption.

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Cobb schools Code Red alert investigated as cyber attack

The Cobb County School District said Wednesday that its emergency alert system that was set off on Feb. 2, prompting a brief Code Red lockdown at all schools, was not a false alarm but a deliberate cyber attack.Cobb County School District, Cobb schools dual enrollment summit

The district said in a news release that what’s being investigated as a cyber crime by the Cobb Police Department is continuing.

Spokeswoman Nan Kiel said in the release that the district can’t reveal more details, but “we have been given permission to share the Technology Based Crimes Unit’s conclusion that the false alarm signal occurred through a targeted, external attack of CCSD’s AlertPoint system.”

AlertPoint is an emergency alert system which allows each employee within a school—including administrators, teachers and other staffers—to activate a device should an emergency occur. This includes fires, active shooters and other intruders, physical altercations and medical emergencies.

The system was implemented starting in 2017 and is one component of the district’s CobbShield emergency and safety program developed in recent years.

When an AlertPoint device is activated, alert information is relayed via computer and mobile devices to school-level administrators and security personnel, as well as at the school district office, within seconds.

The location and identity of the person sending the alert also is transmitted. When a “Code Red” alert is triggered, flashing lights, beeping sounds and voice messages ring out, and the intercom system indicates a lockdown situation is underway.

The AlertPoint system is patterned after existing school fire emergency procedures.

After the Feb. 2 incident in which AlertPoint was triggered at all 112 schools, the district said the cause was a systemwide malfunction and that no students or staff were threatened.

On Wednesday, however, the district said it immediately asked for police assistance in investigating the matter as a possible cyber attack.

“Fairly quickly, it appeared that the false alarm signal (1) was intentionally triggered rather than a malfunction, and (2) was uniquely limited to the AlertPoint system in CCSD,” according to the statement, which said the district then contacted police,

“We do not yet know the motives of those attacking the District’s AlertPoint system,” Wednesday’s district statement said, which did not indicate possible suspects.

“However, it appears the crime was committed to disrupt education across the District, create district-wide chaos, and produce anxiety in the District’s students, parents, and staff. This was not a ‘prank,’ nor will it be treated like one.”

Kiel said that anyone with information related to the cyber attack is asked to contact the Cobb County Police Department’s Tip Line at 770-499-4111 or the CCSD Police Department’s Tip Line at 470-689-0298.

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Cobb traffic update: I-75 NB reopens after multi-vehicle crash

I-75 closed Cobb multi-vehicle crash

UPDATED:

The interstate reopened Thursday shortly before 7 p.m.

ORIGINAL REPORT:

Cobb Police said Thursday afternoon that Interstate 75 northbound in Cobb County will be closed below Chastain Road for several more hours after a fatal multi-vehicle crash.

Police sent out a social media message around 1:30 p.m. Thursday that the northbound lanes of the interstate will be “likely shut down for another 6+ hours” as they continue to investigate the crash and clear the scene.

The northbound express lanes also are closed.

There’s been at least one fatality and more than a dozen vehicles were involved in the crash, which took place late Thursday morning on the interstate between Barrett Parkway and Chastain Road, including a tractor-trailer that caught fire.

Traffic backups on I-75 north are already below Roswell Road. The photo above is a Georgia DOT screengrab of northbound traffic at the South Marietta Parkway shortly after 2 p.m.

Alternative routes include Cobb Parkway and I-575.

This post will be updated.

 

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Cobb Neighborhood Safety Commission issues COVID fraud alert

Cobb Neighborhood Safety Commission COVID fraud alert

The Cobb Neighborhood Safety Commission is getting out the word about COVID-19 fraud, and offers suggestions and resources to help you prevent from becoming a victim:

Be aware that criminals are attempting to exploit COVID-19 worldwide through a variety of scams.

  • Be on the lookout for antibody testing fraud schemes. Never share your personal or health information to anyone other than known and trusted medical professionalsLearn more about what to avoid. 
     
  • Be cautious of unsolicited healthcare fraud schemes of testing and treatment through emails, phone calls, or in person.  The U.S. have medical professionals and scientist working hard to find a cure, approved treatment, and vaccine for COVID-19. Learn more about what to avoid
     
  • Be wary of unsolicited telephone calls and e-mails from individuals claiming to be IRS and Treasury employees.  Remember IRS first form of communications is by mail – not by phone.  Learn more about fraudulent schemes related to IRS
     
  • Be aware of unemployment insurance fraud and learn the steps to take if you suspect criminals have exploited your identity.  Learn more about unemployment insurance fraud.

Criminals will likely continue to use new methods to exploit COVID-19 worldwide. Stay alert and stay informed about common fraud schemes related to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Find out more about types of scams.
If you think you are a victim of a scam or attempted fraud involving COVID-19, you can report it without leaving your home by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form.

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Cobb Fire seeks public help in investigating Vinings arsons

Vining arsons

Photo and text below from Nicholas Danz, Public Information Officer, Cobb Fire & Emergency Services:

WHAT: We suspect that 10 intentionally set fires have occurred in and around this location. 3 of those occurred within 12 hours spanning between January 10-11, 2021.

WHEN: From September 2020 – January 2021

WHERE: WestHaven at Vinings, 5900 Suffex Green Ln NW, Atlanta, GA 30339

WHY: We would like your help gathering information related to these incidents. Please contact our Fire Investigations Unit.

HOW: There is a reward up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect(s). You can call the Cobb County Fire Investigations Unit at 770-499-3869 or the attached hotline number for the HEAT program sponsored by Georgia Arson Control.

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Police identify suspect in death of Sedalia Park ES student

Kennedy Maxie, Sedalia Park student shot

Atlanta Police said Tuesday they have secured felony warrants against a man they believe fired the shots that led to the death of a Sedalia Park Elementary School student last week.

Police said during a news conference that Daquan Reed, 24, is wanted for murder and other charges stemming from a Dec. 21 incident at Phipps Plaza in Buckhead.

Kennedy Maxie, 7, was riding in a car with her mother and aunt after Christmas shopping when she was struck by a stray bullet, police said previously, and that she was rushed to Childrens Healthcare Atlanta Scottish Rite.

The girl died on Saturday night, and a $15,000 reward for information about the case continued.

Police said Tuesday that there was an argument and a fight in the parking lot of the Saks Fifth Avenue store at Phipps and that Reed may have been among the individuals involved.

Lt. Pete Malecki, an Atlanta Police homicide investigator, said Reed left the scene in a car and began shooting, and the gunfire hit the girl in the back of the head.

The other warrants against Reed include possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during a crime and reckless conduct.

Malecki said it was “relentless investigative work” that led to identifying a suspect, but that while “we have a lot of work to do to apprehend Mr. Reed . . . it’s our hope that this will provide a sliver of relief to Kennedy’s family.”

A fundraiser set up by the girl’s godmother to provide assistance to the family has received more than $60,000 in donations, and many messages of condolence:

“My heart is broken. May God comfort the family and give them strength. And, I pray those responsible for this senseless tragedy be found and brought to justice quickly before they hurt anyone else. RIP baby girl.”

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