Canton Police Hires Wendell Turner As New Captain

Wendell B. Turner, Jr.

 On September 14, 2015, the City of Statesboro, Ga., Director of Public Safety, Mr. Wendell B. Turner, Jr., accepted an offer of employment to be the Police Department’s Captain in command of the Support Services Bureau where he is slated to begin his tenure on October 21, 2015.  Mr. Turner, a twenty (22) year law enforcement veteran, began his career with the Statesboro Police Department in 1993 as a uniformed patrol officer.  He was quickly promoted through the ranks attaining positions in the Patrol Bureau as an Advanced Patrol Officer, Investigative Bureau as Detective, Professional Standards and Training Division Commander as Lieutenant, Support Services Division Commander as Lieutenant and later Captain, and Patrol Bureau Commander as Captain.   

Wendell Turner also progressed in a tactical capacity as an Emergency Response Team (ERT) member, ERT Team Leader and ERT Team Commander.  In 2010, he was appointed by the Statesboro City Manager to the newly created position of Director of Public Safety.  The position is the Department Head for the Police and Fire Departments and his overall responsibilities included the administration, operations, personnel management, fiscal preparations and responsibilities of each department.  

Mr. Turner holds several Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) Certifications to include:  Basic LE Certification, Senior Training Instructor Certification, Managerial Certification and Executive Certification.  He is a Certified General Law Enforcement Instructor and holds current specializations in Firearms and Defensive Tactics.  He is also certified to instruct in the area of ASP Expandable Baton and holds past certifications in Taser, Pressure Point Control Tactics, Distraction Devices, Less Lethal Munitions, Chemical Munitions and FN 303 Less Lethal Weapon.  He has been an adjunct instructor for Ogeechee Technical College and the Southeast Georgia Regional Police Academy. Over the past three years, he has taught upper level Justice Studies classes at Georgia Southern University as a part-time faculty member, and continues to do so currently.  He also holds his State of Georgia Registered Volunteer Firefighter Certification.

Wendell Turner has over 3,000 hours of Advanced Law Enforcement training to his credit and also holds several current and past professional memberships and board appointments to include: FBINAA Georgia Chapter, Peace Officers Association of GA,  National Tactical Officers Association, Law Enforcement Control Board Member Southeast Georgia Regional Police Academy and OTC Police Academy,  FBINAA GA Chapter Area 4 Representative (2010-2014), Board Member Bulloch County Habitat for Humanity (past member), Board Member American Red Cross (past member), Georgia Law Enforcement Association of Firearms Instructors (past member) and Georgia Association of Internal Affairs Investigators (past member), and Rotary International Member Statesboro, GA (past member).

In addition, Wendell Turner has been recognized for several professional achievements throughout his career to include: Departmental Accommodations, Several Departmental Top Gun Awards, Supervisor of the Year, FBINA Fitness Excellence Award and a prestigious FBI Appreciation Certificate awarded by former FBI Director Mueller. 

Furthermore, he considers himself extremely fortunate having graduated the 213th Session of the FBI National Academy Program in Quantico, VA, the 23rd Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police Command College and the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police Professional Management Program. He obtained his BS Degree in Criminal Justice from Georgia Southern University (2004) and his MPA Degree in Public Administration from Columbus State University (2006).

Wendell Turner is the proud father of two (2) daughters; Chandler (15) and Devyn (18).

Canton Police Department Chief of Police Mark J. Mitchell stated, “I strongly feel that Mr. Turner will be an exceptional addition to the Command Staff of our organization.  He has shown throughout his outstanding career that he has the leadership qualities, work ethic, integrity, character, and community mindset that we need in this agency.  The aforementioned traits, skills and experience he has developed throughout his career will not only enhance the support of our Officers but will also strengthen our service to the community.”

Wendell Turner will be officially sworn in as Captain on Thursday, October 15, 2015, at 11:00 am in the City Council Chambers and then recognized for his new position on the same date at 6:00 pm., before the Council Meeting.

New Canton Police Officer

The City of Canton Police Department has hired a new Police Officer.  Officer Kyle Smith was sworn in by Judge Darrell Caudill on Friday, September 18, 2015. Officer Smith is a graduate of the Cherokee County Regional Police Academy, where he completed 408 hours of police training over the past 11 weeks. Officer Smith also earned the distinct honor of receiving his graduating class flag for his outstanding performance and exemplary attitude during the academy.

Judge D. Caudill, Rebecca Smith, and Kyle Smith

Officer Smith will spend the next several months in the department’s FTO (Field Training Officer) program. The FTO program provides a foundation for learning that prepares new Canton Officers for the complexities of policing today and in the future.

CID Secretary Retires

After 13 years of loyal service, our Criminal Investigations Division (CID) Secretary, Ms. Judy Stanfield is retiring on Thursday, September 24, 2015. Judy was recently commended at City Hall for her years of hard work and service. Judy initially started her career with Canton PD as a Records Clerk in June of 2002 but was quickly promoted to the CID secretary, where she remained throughout her career. 

When asked what she felt her greatest achievement was, with the exception of her children she stated at the age of 48 while working a full time position she enrolled in night classes for two years and received a diploma in Business Office Specialist, which eventually led to her employment at Canton PD.  Judy stated that she will miss the friends she has made during her career and wanted to remind everyone to “Remember to take time for yourself and family.”  Judy will no doubt be thrilled to be spending more time with her precious grandchildren and loved ones. 

Judy’s incredible work ethic and caring demeanor will be missed by all, but we wish her all the best in this next chapter of her life.  

Pictured from left to right are:  Captain J. Tucker, Sergeant S. Hoffman, David Stanfield, Judy Stanfield, Assistant Chief S. Merrifield, Chief M. Mitchell, Detective D. Hanson and Lieutenant J. Lummus 

New Officer

On September 18, 2015, Officer Samuel Snell was sworn in by Judge T. Roach as a Canton Police Officer. His father, Stan Snell, who is a Forsyth County Deputy was proud to pin his badge on his uniform during the ceremony. Officer Snell is no stranger to the department; he was part of the Canton Explorer program for over 5 years and was hired by the department to work in parking enforcement last year. He is a graduate of the Cherokee County Regional Police Academy.


Officer Snell will spend the next several months in the departments FTO (Field Training Officer) program. The FTO training program provides a foundation for learning that prepares new Canton Officers for the complexities of policing today and in the future.

Pictured left to right:  Officer Samuel Snell, Deputy Stan Snell and Judge Roach

Bar Shooting Suspect In Custody

Damon Fleming, was wanted in connection to a shooting that occurred on Friday, July 31, 2015 at 150 Riverstone Parkway, Canton Ga (Bodock’s Bar and Grill).  Fleming turned himself into the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center on 9-14-2015.

Fleming was charged with Aggravated Assault x 2, Possession. of Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Possession of a Fire Arm during the Commission of a Felony.  Bond was set at $55,800.00

Previous Press Release from Friday, July 31, 2015:

On Friday, July 31, 2015 at approximately 12:05 AM Officers responded to a person shot call at 150 Riverstone Parkway (Bodock’s Bar and Grill). Officers arrived on scene and found a 38-year-old white male who had been shot one time in his hip area.

The incident occurred outside of the restaurant after an altercation occurred inside.  The suspect fled the scene in a passenger car, northbound on Marietta Highway towards the interstate.

The victim was transported to WellStar Kennestone Regional Medical Center in Marietta, GA.  The victim has been released from the hospital.

Detectives are actively working the investigation and are following both leads and tips. If anyone has any information relating to this case, they are encouraged to contact, Detective Scott Hoffman at 770-720-4883 or scott.hoffman@canton-georgia.com.

Suspect Information:

Black Male

Approx. 6’ tall

170-180 lbs.

Mustache and goatee

Last seen wearing a black t-shirt, black and grey cowboy hat, blue jeans and black lace up boots

Vehicle Information:

Silver or Gold 1990-2001 Nissan or Toyota Corolla

False Imprisonment and Cruelty to Children Arrest

On September 10, 2015, at approximately 10:30 am, Canton Officers were dispatched to Canterbury Ridge Apartments (101 Canterbury Ridge Pkwy, Canton GA 30114) to do a welfare check on a nine year old female child.   The reporter, The Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS), indicated that the child was left alone while her parents were in a court proceeding. 

Officers arrived at the apartment and made entry with a key provided by the apartment management.  After conducting a search of the apartment, the officers discovered the child in a closet/laundry room which had a folded up walker propped against the door’s exterior, preventing the child from getting out.

The 9 year old child was taken to Northside Hospital- Cherokee for evaluation and then into protective custody by the Division of Family and Children Services.  A 17 year old sibling, who was not at the apartment, was also taken into protective custody.

Canton Detectives have arrested two individuals: 

Amy Lynn Davis – Mother of child - 35 years old of Canton

Charles Adam Ellison –Mothers Boyfriend – 34 years old of Canton

Charges:

False Imprisonment

Cruelty to children (First Degree)

House Fire / Person Deceased

Update:
The GBI Crime Lab has been forensically able to identify the victim as a Mr. Frank Greene age: 65 of Villa Rica, Georgia. The victim is the owner of the home at 104 Legend Creek Dr. The cause and manner of death is yet to be determined. This is an active ongoing investigation and more information will be released when available.

Background:
Release September 02, 2015

At approximately 4:00 pm. Canton Police, Canton Fire and Cherokee County Fire Department responded to a house fire at 104 Legend Creek Dr. Canton, Ga. Fire units arrived on scene, extinguished the fire and discovered a deceased person in the residence. Detectives along with Cherokee Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigators are currently on scene investigating the incident.

This is an active ongoing investigation and more information will be released when available.

Release September 3, 2015

Police Detectives along with Fire Investigators and the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office are currently investigating the incident to determine the cause of the fire and manner of the victim’s death.

The identity of the deceased was unable to be confirmed by an autopsy that was performed at the GBI Crime Lab this morning. This is a fluid investigation and additional information will be

released in the future.

House Fire/Person Deceased

On September 02, 2015, at approximately 4:00 pm. Canton Police, Canton Fire and Cherokee County Fire Department responded to a house fire at 104 Legend Creek Dr. Canton, Ga.(Lakeside at Allatoona Subdivision). Fire units arrived on scene, extinguished the fire and discovered a deceased person in the residence. Detectives along with Cherokee Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigators are currently on scene investigating the incident.

This is an active ongoing investigation and more information will be released when available.

Missing Person Located

Update:

The missing person, Robert Aust has been safely located by the search party. He was located near the Etowah River approximately one mile from his home.  We will give more details when they become available.

Thank you for your support.

__________________________________________________________
On September 01, 2015, at approximately 7:30 pm. Canton Officers responded to a missing persons call in the River Falls Subdivision.  The caller, who was the wife of the missing person, stated her husband, Robert Aust was missing and she had last seen him around 5:30 pm. at their house in the River Falls Subdivision.  Aust is believed to have left his home and is considered in fair health.

Canton Officers have established a command post and are actively searching for Oust.  Canton Police are being assisted by Canton Fire, Cherokee County Fire, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and Georgia State Patrol.

Please Call 911 if you have any information relating to this case.

Last Seen Date: September 1, 2015 at 5:30 pm. at his home on the 1500 block of Oakdale Rd in the River Falls Subdivision, Canton Ga.

Race: White

Location: 1500 block of Oakdale Rd in the River Falls Subdivision, Canton Ga.

Weight: 112
Height: 5’-5”
Sex: Male
Age: 83
Hair Color: Bald
Eyes: Blue

Please call 911 if you have any information on regarding Robert Aust