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 hit-and-run accident in south Cobb.
The incident resulted in serious injury to a Good Samaritan pedestrian, Keith D. Paine, 53, Austell, who was aiding a driver of a disabled vehicle when he was struck. The driver Paine was aiding also suffered severe injuries.
The incident occurred yesterday, Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at around 11:26 p.m. near 2135 Cardell Road.
The public information release describes the run-up to the incident as follows:
“Preliminary information from the investigation indicates that a white 2005 Honda Accord, operated by Deborah K. Wright (63, Austell), had stopped in the southbound lane of Cardell Road due to vehicle-related issues.”
“At the time of the incident, Ms. Wright was seated in the driver’s seat, with the driver’s door ajar and her legs extended outside the vehicle. A good Samaritan, Keith D. Paine (53, Austell), resided near the incident and came to assist Ms. Wright.”
The driver of a Lexus struck the Honda, seriously injuring Paine, and drove away.
With information provided by the injured pedestrian, an arrest has been made in the incident. The suspect is a 43-year-old Austell man, who was booked into the Cobb County Adult Detention Center.
Paine was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital for treatment, and Wright was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital.
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