Officer Aniello Penirelli of the Cobb County Police Department reported that the Cobb County Police Department’s Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Unit is investigating a fatal auto/pedestrian collision that happened this morning at 6:21 a.m. on Riverside Parkway near the I-20 overpass.

Investigators report that a pedestrian identified as Sidney D. Tharpe, 66 of Roaring River, NC, was walking north on Riverside Parkway near the overpass.  A Chevrolet Suburban driven by David Porter, 47, of Austell, was traveling south on Riverside Parkway and struck Tharpe. who was pronounced dead on scene.

According to the press release, “The collision remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Cobb County Police 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.”