According to a public information release from Officer Chuck McPhilamy of the Marietta Police Department, the department’s Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Unit is investigating a multi-vehicle serious injury crash that occurred Sunday morning.

The collisions occurred near the intersection of Whitlock Ave. and Dallas Circle at around 8:30 a.m, and the public information release states the collision might have been due to members of a motor club passing in a no-pass zone on their way to a club meet.

[It is the policy of the Cobb County Courier to redact names of people who have been charged or might be charged with crimes or violations until either a guilty verdict or a guilty plea is arrived at]

Investigators report that a 2010 Toyota Avalon driven by an 84-year-old Marietta man was headed east on Whitlock Avenue.

Three vehicles in the westbound lane were traveling to a motor club meet. Driver 1 was in a 2018 Dodge Charger, Driver 2 was in a 1998 Ford Malibu and Driver 3 was driving a 2009 Chevy Malibu.

The public information release describes the collision as follows:

The club members reported they were separated by traffic lights and were passing vehicles in an attempt to rejoin their group. Witnesses and evidence confirm that members of the group were passing vehicles in a no-passing zone on westbound Whitlock Avenue.

While attempting to rejoin the group, [Driver 1 in the Charger] crossed over the double yellow line into oncoming traffic in order to pass in a no passing zone. [He] was not able to complete his maneuver and collided with [The 84-year-old Marietta man]. This crash caused the Charger to spin into the rear of the Chevy Malibu. The Avalon continued eastbound out of control and collided with the Ford Mustang.

[The 84-year-old Marietta man] was transported to WellStar Kennestone Hospital with potentially life threatening injuries.  There were no additional passengers in any involved vehicles. 

Charges have not yet been filed as the investigation is still active.  Anyone with information regarding this crash is urged to contact Investigator C. Henry at 770-794-5352.