The Cobb County Police Department’s Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Unit is investigating a serious traffic collision with injuries that occurred on May 16, 2019 at 6:39 p.m. on I-285 southbound near the Atlanta Road overpass.

Per investigators, a black 2013 Dodge Charger operated by 18-year-old Stephen Jasper of Stockbridge and a purple 2017 Nissan Altima operated by 25-year-old Ashkelon Procope of Lithia Springs were traveling at high rates of speed while maneuvering in and out of traffic. As the vehicles approached the Atlanta Road overpass, the Dodge was in the left travel lane and the Nissan was in the far-right travel lane.

A 2017 Kenworth tractor pulling a trailer operated by 59-year-old Darrell Price of Athens, Texas, was also traveling south on I-285 in the third travel lane. Darrell Price stopped his vehicle due to traffic in front of him coming to a stop.  Stephen Jasper attempted to change lanes from the left travel lane to the far-right travel lane and collided with the trailer being pulled by Darrell Price.

Darrell Price was not injured. Stephen Jasper was transported to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital with life threatening injuries. Ashkelon Procope and his passenger were aware of the collision and stopped at the scene. Ashkelon Procope left the scene prior to officers arriving and was identified by his passenger. Ashkelon Procope later returned to Cobb County when contacted by investigators.

Ashkelon Procope was arrested and charged with racing, reckless driving, and serious injury by vehicle.

###