I-575 SB Shut Down in Cobb County After Crash Involving Police Car

Incident occurred near Chastain Road, with both vehicles resting against center guardrail

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A crash involving a Cobb County police patrol car and another vehicle has shut down I-575 southbound in Cobb County, Georgia. The incident happened around 4:15 a.m. near Chastain Road, with both cars resting against the center guardrail. Cobb County and Marietta police are on the scene, guiding traffic as the road is expected to clear around 7 a.m.

Why it matters

Interstate highway closures can cause major traffic disruptions and delays for commuters in the Atlanta metro area, which is one of the most congested regions in the country. This incident also raises questions about the safety of police officers on patrol and the potential causes of such crashes involving law enforcement vehicles.

The details

According to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), the crash occurred around 4:15 a.m. on I-575 southbound near the Chastain Road exit. Atlanta News First crews on the scene observed a Cobb County police cruiser with all its airbags deployed, as well as another car on its side, both resting against the center guardrail.

  • The incident happened around 4:15 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026.
  • The interstate is expected to clear and reopen around 7 a.m. the same day.

The players

Cobb County Police

The local law enforcement agency involved in the crash and responding to the incident.

Marietta Police

The neighboring police department also assisting with traffic control and the response to the crash.

Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)

The state agency that monitors and reports on traffic conditions, including the closure of I-575 southbound.

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What’s next

Atlanta News First is continuing to investigate the cause of the crash and the conditions of those involved. The interstate is expected to reopen once the scene is cleared, which is anticipated to occur around 7 a.m.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the risks and challenges faced by law enforcement officers on patrol, as well as the potential for major traffic disruptions when crashes occur on busy interstate highways. It also underscores the importance of coordinated emergency response and traffic management to minimize the impact on commuters and the broader community.