According to a public information release from Officer Sydney Melton of the Cobb County Police Department, a fatal collision occurred Friday, October 25, 2019, at 10:49 p.m. on Hiram Lithia Springs Road at Sweetsprings Drive.

The department’s Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Unit is investigating the collision, which resulted in one fatality.

According to the public information release:

A black 2006 Lexus ES330 was preparing to turn left from northbound Lithia Springs Road onto Sweetsprings Drive. A silver 2018 BMW 430I was traveling south on Lithia Springs Road, north of the intersection with Sweetsprings Drive. The Lexus initiated a left turn and entered the path of the BMW. The front of the BMW struck the right rear of the Lexus. The force of the collision tore most of the rear passenger compartment of the Lexus free from the rest of the vehicle. The rear passenger of the Lexus was ejected from the vehicle.

Derren Aguirre, 17, of Powder Springs, was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin has been notified.

Two people involved in the collision, a passenger in the Lexus and the driver of the BMW, were taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

The driver of the Lexus sustained minor injuries and was not taken to the hospital.

Investigators believe that excessive speed and impairment are contributing factors in this collision. The driver of the BMW, Percy Reynolds, 44, of Powder Springs is charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, and further charges are expected.

The STEP Unit

The STEP Unit, which investigates serious or 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.”