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 traffic collision on Veterans Memorial Highway that took place yesterday at 5:04 p.m that resulted in one death and two injuries.

Investigators reported that a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer, driven by Raymun Valdovinos, 22, of Lithia Springs,was heading west on Veterans Memorial Highway in the left lane, west of Floyd Road.

A gray 2013 Dodge Journey driven by Teri Gregory, 42, of Attalla, Alabama, was also traveling west on Veterans Memorial Highway in the right lane.

Gregory, in the Dodge, attempted to change lanes to the left, and as Valdovinos tried to pass Gregory’s Dodge, the front right side of his Mitsubishi hit the left rear side of the Dodge.

The Mitsubishi left the roadway and hit the building located at 818 Veterans Memorial Highway.

Valdovinos was declared dead at the scene. His passenger, Luis Hernandez, 39, of Lithia Springs, was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital with serious injuries.

Gregory was taken to Wellstar Cobb Hospital with minor injuries.

The collision is still under investigation and police are asking anyone with information to contact the Cobb County Police 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.”