Crime & Safety

1 Killed, 2 Injured, 2 Arrested in Cobb Hit-And-Run

One girl pronounced dead at the scene of the accident that occurred around 7:20 on Sunday night.

Update: 6:50 p.m.

The deceased girl has been identified as 15-year-old Reina As-Salaam, a Tri-Cities High School student. The other two girls, Juliana Ferrell, 16, and Monica Epps, 16, are students at Sprayberry High School. Ferrell is in critical condition and Epps suffered several broken bones.

WSB TV reported that authorities believe the accident occurred as a result of a chase between two men, Tansu Kanlica and Garrett Anderson, operating separate vehicles.

The news outlet reported that Kanlica worked for a locksmith and was called to unlock Anderson's car. After his vehicle was opened, Anderson sped off and Kanlica pursued. According to warrants, during the chase, Anderson stopped suddenly, which contributed in Kanlica's vehicle being sent out-of-control and into the girls.

Original Story:

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According to Cobb police, a female juvenile was killed and two more injured in a hit-and-run accident Sunday night in Kennesaw.

Two men have been arrested in connection with the accident that happened around 7:20 p.m.

The alleged driver, who hit the three pedestrians who were walking on a sidewalk along Barrett Lakes Boulevard, was later arrested several miles away at I-75 and Canton Road,.

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According to jail records, Tansu Kanlica of Atlanta, has been charged with homicide by vehicle in the first degree, hit and run resulting in serious injury, two counts of serious injury by vehicle, and failure to maintain lane and reckless driving. He was being held without bond on Monday in the Cobb County jail.

According to Officer Mike Bowman, Kanlica, 27, is believed to have been attempting to give chase to another vehicle for theft of services northbound on Barrett Lakes approaching Shiloh Valley Drive when he lost control of his vehicle prior to leaving the eastern edge of the roadway. The vehicle crossed the sidewalk and collided with the three pedestrians who were walking along the sidewalk.

None of the victims has been identified. One was pronounced dead at the scene, a second was transported by ground to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital with life-threatening injuries, and the third was transported by ground to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

A second driver, 23-year-old Garrett Anderson of Kennesaw, was arrested Monday in connection with the accident. He is charged with homicide by vehicle in the first degree, two counts of serious injury by vehicle, theft of services and reckless driving. Like Kanlica, he was also being held on Monday without bond.

Anyone with information that may assist investigators with this pedestrian fatality is asked to call 770-499-3987.



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