According to a public information release from Officer Aaron Wilson of the Cobb County Police Department, the department’s Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (S.T.E.P. Unit) is investigating a fatal motorcycle accident that took place yesterday on Maxham Road near Pontiac Circle at around 10:36 p.m.

That intersection is just south of Veterans Memorial Highway and north of the Douglas County line near Austell.

The public information release described the incident as follows:

The investigation revealed that Alejandro Garcia-Zavala (26) was riding a 2016 Honda CBR 650 

motorcycle southbound on Maxham Road near Pontiac Circle. For reasons unknown, Garcia￾Zavala lost control of the motorcycle as he approached the intersection. The bike struck the right curb and then hit the guardrail, causing Garcia-Zavala to be ejected into a nearby creek. 

The motorcycle continued to slide southward and eventually stopped in the median.

Garcia-Zavala was pronounced dead at the scene by the Cobb County Medical Examiner’s 

Office.

This collision is still under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the Cobb County Police Department STEP Unit 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.