On Saturday May 23, 2015, just after 1030 pm., Officers responded to The Children’s Place Department Store located in the Canton Market Place Shopping Center off Cumming Hwy. Patrol Officers were advised the call was in reference to the report of shoplifting in progress with four (4) suspects still on scene. Upon unit’s arrival, the suspect(s) fled on foot toward a vehicle that was obviously waiting to pick them up to leave the scene. Patrol Officers worked as a team to detain the suspects before they escaped, obtained clerk statements from the store locations and located/recovered the stolen merchandise that was taken during the shoplifting incidents.
Once back at the Police Department, these Officers processed several thousand dollars worth of the stolen items, located a firearm in one (1) of the suspect’s book bags and found suspected marijuana in one (1) of the other suspect’s belongings. These alert Officers with the assistance of the Sheriff’s Office and Facebook, detected that two (2) of the suspects had lied about their age as they originally advised they were juveniles. In the end, all of the subjects, three (3) males and one (1) female were charged with Felony shoplifting and various other drug, false information and weapons charges.
Canton Police Chief Mark Mitchell stated, "This was truly a team effort, I am proud of our hard working Officers and commend the diligent store clerks who assisted us during this incident." He added, "I also want to thank the Sheriff's Office for helping us to identify the suspects who were less than truthful with our Officers during this investigation." It takes collaborative efforts like this to continue to improve the quality of life for our community."
Arrested:
Arrested:
Laquanda Allen, 27 yrs. old
Deonte Almond, 18 yrs. old
Veonia Hixson, 22 yrs. old
Cedriona Johnson, 18 yrs. old
All are reported to be from Atlanta.
