According to a public information release from Officer Sydney Melton of the Cobb County Police Department, the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Unit is investigating an accident in which a pedestrian was killed on Mableton Parkway Friday.

This was the second traffic-related fatality on Mableton Parkway reported by police in the month of November.

It took place at at 8:17 p.m.

The public information release describes the incident as follows:

A white 2008 Cadillac SRX was traveling south on Mableton Parkway. A pedestrian was attempting to cross Mableton Parkway from west to east. The driver of the Cadillac swerved to the right to avoid a collision. The left side mirror of the Cadillac collided with the pedestrian.

The driver of the Cadillac was identified as 48-year-old John D. Winters of Mableton. He was not injured.

The pedestrian was identified as 63-year-old Bernardino Castillo-Mendez of Mableton. He was responsive at the scene and transported to Grady Hospital for treatment. His condition deteriorated and he was pronounced deceased on November 30, 2019.

The accident is still under investigation, and anyone with information is asked to phone 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.”