UPDATE:  According to an update from the Cobb County Police Department: “The driver of the black 2007 Mercedes Benz SLK350 Nancy Valentine was issued citations for Failure to Yield to Pedestrians in a Crosswalk and Failure to Use Due Regard to Avoid Pedestrians.”

According to a press release from Officer Aniello Penirelli of the Cobb County Police Department, two teens were hit while in crosswalks on Holt Road yesterday afternoon at around 7 p.m.  Both were taken to Kennestone Hospital, one with life threatening injuries and the other with serious injuries.

The accident is being investigated by department’s Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Unit. They report that a  black 2007 Mercedes Benz, driven by Nancy Valentine, 73,  of Marietta, was heading northbound  on Holt Road approaching the crosswalk between Wheeler High School and the former location of East Cobb Middle School. The teens were in the crosswalk. When they crossed into the northbound lanes of Holt Road, the auto collided with both of them.

According the the press release, “The investigation remains under investigation and anyone with information is requested to contact the Cobb County Police Department at 770-499-3987.”

What is the STEP Unit?

The STEP Unit, which investigated this incident, 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.”