According to a public information release from Officer Neil Penirelli of the Cobb County Police Department, the department’s Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Unit is investigating a fatal accident that resulted in two deaths on Floyd Road Sunday.

James Wheeler, 31, of Acworth, and Douglas Duff, Jr, of Mableton were declared dead at Wellstar Cobb Hospital on Sunday afternoon.

According to investigators, at 4:44 p.m. on Sunday, April 7, a 2010 Toyota driven by Wheeler was headed west on Bates Road approaching Floyd Road. Wheeler turned left onto Floyd Road into the path of a northbound 2006 Infiniti driven by George Cambi, 19, of Austell. The two vehicles then collided.

Cambi and a juvenile passenger were taken to Wellstar Cobb Hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries. Wheeler and his passenger, Duff, were transported to the same hospital and were declared dead.

According to the press release, “Multiple witnesses claimed that the Infiniti was racing another vehicle northbound on Floyd Road and the collision remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Cobb County Police Department at 770-499-3987.”

What is the STEP Unit?

The STEP Unit, which investigates 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.”