Hit and Run

On 3/28/2015 at approximately 8:20 p.m.,  a 60 yr. old Hispanic male from Canton was stuck by a vehicle while crossing the street at Marietta Hwy near Kennett Street.  The victim reported that he was crossing the roadway and was struck by a blue minivan driven by a Hispanic male.  The vehicle continued south toward Bells Ferry Rd. and failed to stop after striking the victim.  The victim was taken to Northside Hospital Cherokee for evaluation.  The extent of his injuries is not available at this time but he was conscious and alert.

If you have any information relating to this case please call 911.

Armed Robbery Suspects Captured

On Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at 2:36 pm., Patrol Officers were dispatched to the report of an armed robbery on Brookside Court, Canton, Ga.  Upon arrival, further investigation revealed a Hispanic male was walking near his residence with his children when the crime occurred.  The victim advised a newer model Chevrolet sedan driven by a female pulled up to his location and a young male exited the vehicle, brandished a handgun, and told the victim to give him all of his money.  The victim advised responding Officers that he quickly turned around and began walking back to his residence with his children.  He said the suspect and vehicle followed him while the perpetrator continued to demand his money.  The victim relayed that when he reached his residence, he pulled out his cell phone and the suspect and vehicle fled the area. 

Canton Police Detectives and the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office also responded to assist and began aggressively patrolling the area in an effort to locate the suspect vehicle.  An alert Detective spotted a vehicle occupied by multiple persons that matched the description of the suspects of the armed robbery in the River Ridge Apartment complex located off Reinhardt College Boulevard.  Additional law enforcement personnel, to include Detectives, Patrol Officers, and Sheriff’s Office Deputies, responded to the area and were able to detain four (4) individuals that were located in the gold Chevrolet vehicle.  At that time, Detectives were able to obtain further witness statements and evidence that positively identified these individuals as being the perpetrators of the Armed Robbery on Brookside Court. 

In addition, Police Detectives are investigating a strong arm robbery that occurred on Monday, March 24, 2015, and a reported aggravated assault that occurred on Saturday, March 22, 2015.  Both incidents happened in the same area as the above listed armed robbery.  First, on March 22, 2015, Officers responded to 128 Juniper Street to the report that a Hispanic Male had been shot in the face by two individuals in a gold color Chevrolet vehicle.  Upon arrival, the victim advised he was walking in the area of Birch Street when a young female and male pulled up to him in a gold color vehicle.  The victim further advised that after a very short conversation, the male driver shot him in the face with is believed to be some type of BB gun and quickly drove away.  The victim sustained non-life threatening injuries and was treated and released on scene. 

  

Second, just before 7:00 pm. on Monday, March 24, 2015, Officers responded to the area of Center Street and Highland Street.  A Hispanic male victim advised responding Officers that he was walking in the area when a female individual approached him asking to use his phone.  He told responding Officers he told the girl no and two (2) nearby males jumped him, struck him in the face, and stole his phone before they all fled the scene on foot. 

Police Detectives, through witness statements and additional evidence, have been able to connect all of the individuals who were arrested after Tuesday’s armed robbery to the felony crimes that occurred on Saturday and Monday.  All three (3) cases are still under active investigation and more information may be released when available. 

Chief Mark Mitchell stated, “I first want to say that we are thankful that none of the victims sustained serious injuries as a result of these violent crimes.  I am extremely proud of our hard working officers and detectives who quickly responded to the area of this crime and, as a team, were able to alertly locate and positively identify these individuals as the suspects involved in all three of these crimes that greatly diminished the quality of life for the citizens who lived in that segment of our community.  I also want to thank the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office for their response and assistance with this situation; they are always there for us and we greatly appreciate their assistance.  Our hope is that the citizens who live in this area of the City will feel more at ease now as they take walks with their families, without the fear of becoming a victim of a violent crime."

Arrestee information

Ashley Denise Conway age: 19 of Canton, Ga.

Charges:        Aggravated Assault – 4 cts

Aggravated Battery

Robbery

Battery

Samier S. Townsend age: 18 of Canton, Ga.

Charges:        Aggravated Assault – 4 cts.

Aggravated Battery

Armed Robbery

Robbery

Battery

Aniecea Dewalt age: 17 of Canton, Ga.

Charges:        Aggravated Assault – 4 cts.

Aggravated Battery

Armed Robbery

                       

Juvenile involved

Charges:        Aggravated Assault – 4 cts.

Aggravated Battery

Armed Robbery

Robbery

Battery

Note:  Adult pictures will need to be obtained through the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office           

Community Outreach

The ultimate goal of the Canton Police Department is to build legitimate, long lasting, and sustainable relationships between our organization and the community we serve as we move forward into the future. The Police Department is working hard to reach out to all citizens and neighborhoods in the City. Some of the planned events include town hall meetings, social media, community activities, and neighborhood meetings.

Chief Mitchell stated, “I want everyone to know, I believe our agency needs to reach out to professionally and equally serve each segment of our community.” Canton Community Officer Pacer Cordry said “It’s important to listen to the needs of the community and proactively respond to their issues and concerns. The Police Department will do what it thinks is best for the community, but until you really listen to the community and what they have to say, you are only doing half the job you should be doing.”

On Thursday, March 5, 2015, Chief Mark Mitchell and his Command Staff met with several local African American and Hispanic ministers in an effort to inform them about our agency, discuss the department’s community goals, coordinate our first quarterly town hall meeting, and listen to the valuable input they provided about how the agency may better serve the needs of their communities. Chief Mitchell stated “The meeting was positive, created important dialogue and, in our opinion, went very well. Recent events around the country have caused serious tension between law enforcement and their minority communities. With that said, one of the major goals of our agency is to build partnerships, communication, and trust in our City. I think it is important for this agency to connect with the African American, Hispanic, and other citizen groups in an effort to strengthen our relationships. This will pay important dividends for these communities and our agency in the future and allow us to effectively address criminal activity and public concerns.”

Pastor Charles D. Morgan from Zion Baptist Church commented “I much appreciate the Canton Police Department reaching out to the Community and its Churches to share their goals and objectives for building a better and more positive relationship within the Community. This first meeting was very informative and the dialogue was open and forthright. I look forward to working with the CPD towards reaching their community objectives.”

Former City Councilwoman, Pat Tanner, stated “This first meeting with the Canton Police Department was the first step of many towards the CPD and the community building a more positive and successful relationship. The opportunity to meet, share ideas, and be straightforward in our dialogue was beneficial and enlightening. To have our Police Department take positive, rather than reactive, steps within the community speaks highly of the CPD. I am very optimistic about these two entities establishing an effective, meaningful, and worthwhile relationship. LAO TZU said “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step”; our journey has begun and I look forward to the end.”

Pastor Lemora Dobbs stated "I applaud Canton Police Chief Mark Mitchell and the vision for community enrichment he brings to Canton. Chief Mitchell demonstrates strong leadership by taking a proactive stance in creating partnerships between the CPD, Canton residents and organizations so we can all work together to build a stronger, more inclusive community."

Chief Mitchell closed by stating, “This is not the only segment of our citizenry that we are going to be reaching out to this year. Other segments of our community in Canton are just as important, and we are going to work diligently through town hall meetings and other events to engage, connect, and communicate with them as well.”

Future meetings will be announced using social media and the local media outlets.

Front Row:  Pat Tanner, Pastor Lemora Dobbs and Pastor Lydia Ayala
Back Row:  Asst. Chief Stephen Merrifield, Deacon John Heard, Chief Mark Mitchell, Pastor Charles Morgan and Lt. German Rivas

Hit and Run

On Wednesday, March 11, 2015, at approximately 6:30 pm, a hit and run accident occurred at the intersection of Marietta Hwy and Woodland Way. The victim and his family were crossing the roadway on foot when an orange Dodge Dart approached them without slowing down.  The victim's foot was struck by the vehicle causing injuries.  The vehicle failed to stop and continued driving South on Marietta Hwy.

The Vehicle Description:

Orange Dodge Dart (possibly newer model)

Black or gray racing stripe on the side

Driver description:

Young black female 

Short hair

If you have any information relating to this case please contact Motor Officer, Dwight Tipton:

770-720-4883

dwight.tipton@canton-georgia.com

Not Actual Vehicle
Only an Example

Financial Transaction Zone

Financial Transactions (buying and selling to unknown persons)

Chief Mark J. Mitchell welcomes the public to use the Canton Police Department facility parking lot or lobby when meeting someone to make a financial transaction for goods advertised on Craigslist or other online sales.  The suitable location and times for these transactions is the front parking lot of our offices, located at 221 East Marietta Street in Canton between the hours of 8:00 am. and 5:00 pm. Monday through Friday.

If citizens choose to meet at the Police Department after office hours (including weekends) we ask they call the Cherokee 911 Center  (678-493-4080) in order to notify the on-duty Shift Commander of the pending safety zone transaction meeting.

The Canton Police Department's number one concern is the safety of our citizens.  Persons are urged not to meet anyone hesitant to meet at our facility.  The potential profit from your sale is not worth the risk of being physically harmed.

Here are a few safety tips you can implement to avoid becoming a victim if you plan on buying anything on Craigslist or other online sites:

• Know who you are dealing with. Criminals don’t want to be identified. We recommend the following when planning an in-person transaction with a stranger:  1) Ask them for their name and phone number.  2) Request a photo of their driver’s license be sent to you via text using the phone number they gave you.  If the buyer/seller is willing to heed these requests they are less likely to take advantage of you but caution is still necessary.  If something were to happen you would have pertinent information to help Police locate the individual.

• Make the exchange in a public place. We recommend such transactions do not take place at a residence.  It’s simply too dangerous.  The best location is the Police Department other law enforcement agency open for business or called in advance to assist you.

• If possible go to the meet with a friend.  There is safety in numbers. Having a friend along may dissuade some kinds of violence.  Always let someone know where you are going, who you are meeting and when you plan to return. Again we recommend meeting at the Police Department.

• Do not deal with anyone except the buyer/seller. At times persons with ill intent will involve an intermediary.  If a buyer offers to send a friend or business partner to pick up the item do not accept the offer. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

• Don’t take checks or make change. Can you tell the difference between a counterfeit check or money order and a legitimate one?  Take cash only or have payment directed to a third party site like PayPal.

Robbery Arrest

On Friday, February 27, 2015 at approximately 9:30 pm Canton Police officers responded to an armed robbery call in which a cash register had been stolen. Officers worked together as a team, coordinating calls to all units, gathering surveillance video, setting up a perimeter for K-9 tracking and patrol for the purpose of locating the suspect who was apprehended by Officer Jason Patton with the help of Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Deputy and his trainee. The suspect was found in a wooded area near the Marathon Gas station at 14 Old Mill Street. He was then questioned by Detectives about his involvement in the felony. The suspect, a 28 year old male from Canton, Ga. was arrested, taken to the Cherokee Adult Detention Center and charged with Armed Robbery.

Life Saving Award

On January 28, 2015, Corporal Joel Parker, K-9 Officer Ryan Campbell and Officer Matthew Godfrey responded to a residence within the City of Canton in reference to a person down call from an apparent drug overdose. Upon arrival, officers proceeded to a back bathroom where they observed a twenty-two (22) year old male, he was unresponsive and lying motionless on the floor. As officers rendered aid to the male, they immediately noticed his breathing was shallow and he appeared to be chocking. They rolled him on his side to clear his airway and as they did, he stopped breathing.

Officers then placed the individual on his back as Officer Godfrey began CPR. At this time, Canton Fire Department Lt. Wes Dixon, Fire Fighter Chad Wigington and Fire Fighter Dustin Long arrived on scene to take over aid to the male.

Canton Fire personnel immediately began preparing the downed person for an intravenous injection (IV). At that moment, Lt. Dixon used Officer Campbell’s assigned Narcan medication and administered a dose to the male who within seconds began breathing, coughing and clinching his fist. These officers along with fire personnel assisted the person to his feet as he was then escorted outside the residence and transported to Northside Hospital – Cherokee for evaluation.

On Thursday, February 19, 2015 Corporal Joel Parker, Officer Ryan Campbell, Officer Matthew Godfrey, Lt. Wes Dixon, Fire Fighter Chad Wigington and Fire Fighter Dustin Long were given the prestigious lifesaving award at the Canton City Council meeting for their actions.

Chief Mark Mitchell, Lt. Jeff Tucker, Ofc. Godfrey, Ofc. Ryan Campbell, Lt. German Rivas, and Asst. Chief  Stephen Merrifield  Photo by Volunteer Stan Oliver

Fire Fighter Chad Wigington, Fire Fighter Dustin Long, Lt. Wes Dixon and Fire Chief Dean Floyd  Photo by Volunteer Stan Oliver