According to a report from Officer Sarah O’Hara of the Cobb County Police Department, a fatal collision occurred South Cobb Drive at Waldrep Circle on Wednesday at approximately 3:34 p.m.

The Cobb County Police Department’s Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Unit is investigating the incident.

According to investigators,  a white 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee was heading north on South Cobb Drive toward Waldrep Circle as a white 1997 Ford F250 was southbound on South Cobb Drive also approaching Waldrep Circle. For unknown reasons, the Ford veered into oncoming traffic and the two vehicles collided.

The driver of the Ford, Joseph Crowell, 42, of Marietta, was pronounced dead on the scene. The Jeep’s driver, Mark O’Brien, 61,  of Marietta, was taken to WellStar Kennestone Hospital with serious injuries.

The collision remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact Cobb County Police Department’s STEP Unit at 770-499-3987.

STEP Unit

The STEP Unit, which investigated this incident, is one of the department’s Special Operations units, and  is described on the web page of the Cobb County Police Department as follows:

“The Selective Traffic Enforcement Unit is responsible for investigating all fatal traffic crashes, enforcement of traffic laws in those areas which analysis indicates an elevated amount of crashes. They are also responsible for the administration and execution of the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program. They also take part in special security details, and investigate crashes involving Department vehicles when requested.”