According to a public information release from the Cobb County Police Department, the department’s Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (S.T.E.P. Unit) is investigating a collision that occurred last night at approximately 11:51 p.m. on I-285 Southbound, just south of Paces Ferry Road.

[Editor’s note: the Cobb County Courier does not print the names of individuals involved in accidents that are still under investigation]

The incident resulted in the arrest of a 42-year-old Atlanta man. Three people were injured in the crash, including a Fulton County sheriff’s deputy and a 32-year-old Mableton man and his juvenile child. The deputy received serious but non-life-threatening injuries, while the Mableton man and child were treated for minor injuries.

Here’s how the public information release described the series of events.

The Atlanta man, driving a 2017 Porsche Panamera, collided with the rear of a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe driven by a 54-year-old Sharpsburg. This set off a chain reaction of collisions by additional vehicles on the scene. 

A silver 2024 Hyundai Tucson, operated by the Mableton man swerved to avoid the stationary Porsche, resulting in a collision with the inside wall of I-285. Simultaneously, a 2021 Ford F-150, driven by the sheriff’s deputy, collided with the rear of the Porsche. The Ford continued south, colliding with a stationary Hyundai Tucson.

All three of the injured people: the deputy, the Mableton man, and his child, were taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital.

The driver of the Porsche was arrested on-site by investigators “for charges including following too closely, DUI less safe, failure to remove vehicle after accident on expressway, and serious injury by vehicle.”

This collision remains under investigation, and anyone with additional relevant information is asked to contact investigators 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.”

The STEP Unit is commanded by Lieutenant Lane Johnson.