Officer Neil Penirelli of the Cobb County Police Department announced that the department’s Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Unit is investigating a fatal pedestrian hit and run that happened on Saturday May 25, 2019 at 9:34 p.m. on South Cobb Drive just north Pat Mell Road.

Investigators report that a white pickup truck towing an enclosed trailer was heading south on South Cobb Drive when the vehicle struck an unidentified man who was crossing the highway on foot.

The driver of the truck did not stop.

The victim was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

According to the public information release, “At this time, investigators do not have an identification for the male. Witnesses described the truck as possibly an early 2000’s Chevrolet two door pickup with a white enclosed cargo trailer. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about the collision is asked to contact investigators at 770-499-3987.”

What is 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.”