According to a public information release from Officer Sydney Melton of the Cobb County Police Department, an on-street race between two vehicles might have been a contributing factor in a fatal Cobb Parkway collision that left the driver of one vehicle dead.

The accident occurred on Sunday, October 27, 2019, at 5:52 p.m. on Cobb Parkway north of Cedarcrest Road.

According to investigators from the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Unit,

… a white 1999 Chevrolet S10 was traveling south on Cobb Parkway approaching Cedarcrest Road. For reasons unknown, the driver made a hard brake application. The Chevrolet skidded in a southerly direction and rotated in a clockwise direction as it left the western edge of the roadway. The Chevrolet continued until it collided with a tree. The Chevrolet then caught fire.

The driver of the vehicle, Michael Morton, 48, of Acworth, died at the scene. His next of kin has been notified.

The passenger in the vehicle was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Witnesses reported to investigators that Morton may have been racing another vehicle described as a red Ford Mustang.

This accident is under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Cobb County Police Department at 770-499-3987.

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.”