According to a public information release from Officer Neil Penirelli of the Cobb County Police Department, the department’s Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Unit is investigating a fatal collision that took place on Hiram Acworth Highway (State Route 92), north of Holland Road yesterday at 11:03 p.m.

Investigators report that a 2000 Freightliner towing a trailer driven by Celso Velasquez, 31, of Lawrenceville was heading north on Hiram Acworth Highway north of Holland Road.

A 2012 Ford Taurus, driven by Stephanie Jenkins, 24, of Resaca, was traveling north behind the Freightliner.

A 2004 Nissan Maxima driven by Steven Bishop, 57, of Dallas was traveling south on Hiram Acworth Highway approaching Holland Road.

Jenkins attempted to pass the Freightliner in a passing zone. Upon moving into the southbound lane, the Ford Taurus entered the path of the Nissan Maxima and collided with it. The Taurus then hit the left side of the Freightliner.

Velasquez was not injured in the collision.

Bishop, the driver of the Nissan Maxima died on scene. The passenger in the Nissan, Tommy Johnson, 46, of Dallas, also died on scene as a result of injuries sustained during the collision.

Jenkins and her passenger, Keymont Jenkins, 23, of Douglasville, were taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital with serious injuries.

The collision is still under investigation and the Cobb police department requests that anyone with information contact the department at 770-499-3987.

What is the STEP Unit?

The STEP Unit, which investigates fatal traffic crashes, is one of the Cobb County Police 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.”