Cobb County  police report that a 21-year old Marietta man was seriously injured while driving at a high rate of speed in an attempt to elude officers.  

Police state that they were not in pursuit of the man at the time of his accident, but had tried to pull him over earlier on Powder Springs Road

The accident happened on Sunday, October 22, 2023, at around  12:36 a.m. on Milford Church Road east of its intersection with Wagon Trail.

According to the public information release from  Officer S.A. Barner of the Cobb County Police Department, the department’s Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (S.T.E.P. Unit) is investigating the crash.

Investigators report that the driver, in a red Ford Mustang GT,  still traveling at a high rate of speed, unsuccessfully attempted to negotiate a curve, and left the road, striking a tree.

The driver was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital with serious injuries.

The crash remains under investigation. Anyone with additional information regarding this collision is asked to contact investigators at 770-499-3987.

[The Cobb County Courier has a policy of withholding names in traffic incidents when it is uncertain whether charges will be filed]

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.”

The STEP Unit is commanded by Lieutenant Lane Johnson.