Canton Police is Hiring!

The Canton Police Department is currently hiring for the position of Police Officer. The agency is actively searching for diverse men and women who aspire to join a very professional organization and possess a community mindset to serve and protect the citizens of Canton. In addition to a multitude of career advancement opportunities, certified officers will now start at an annual salary of $40,000.00, plus benefits.

Applications can be found online at cantonga.gov/police or they can be picked up at the Canton Police Department, 221 East Marietta Street, Canton, GA 30114, Monday-Friday between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.

“Operation Caught by a Cop”

The Canton Police Department will begin a new Community Outreach initiative by issuing tickets to local kids. Not the type of ticket where you must pay a fine, but one where you receive an award through positive contact with Officers. Officers will be out looking for youth making good decisions and rewarding them by giving a certificate (ticket) and coupon for a treat donated from a local restaurant. Children may be given tickets for such things as wearing a seat belt, bike helmet, looking both ways before crossing the street or just good manners.

Each Officer will be searching the City to issue a child at least one “ticket” per shift. Chief Mark J. Mitchell jokingly stated, “Our officers don’t have a quota on how many tickets they issue per month, but they will be enforcing good behavior.” He added, “It all starts with the Children in our Community. We want kids to trust us, not be scared and run to our Officers in times of need or engagement.”

Operation Caught by a Cop will last throughout the summer and into the school year.

Photo by Canton Police Volunteer, Stan Oliver

10 yr. old Gage McPherson was “Caught by a Cop” in Etowah River Park on Thursday, July 20, 2017, for wearing a bicycle helmet. Officer Adam Yurkovsky issued him a ticket and he was given a coupon for a Chick-fil-A sandwich after he signed the citation and agreed to continue to wear his helmet.

Double Homicide Investigation Update

Wanted: Akilee Zakee Wilson

Police Detectives are continuing to actively work this case and have issued warrants for the arrest of Mr. Akilee Zakee Wilson age: 17 of Dallas, GA., for the charges of Felony Murder (2 counts) and Aggravated Assault (2 counts) as a result of this investigation.  The whereabouts of Mr. Wilson are unknown at this time.  Anyone with knowledge of where he is located is urged to contact 911 because he is considered armed and dangerous. 
   
Facts surrounding the case:
• Four (4) in custody as a result of the investigation. 
• The shooting occurred after a confrontation involving two (2) opposing groups.
• Was this drug related?  Was this gang related?  We are still working to answer these questions before we can relay the exact motive in this crime.
• Additional arrests may be pending in the future.
• Officers will continue to extra patrol and maintain a committed presence in the area of Crisler St. in an effort to ensure the safety and security of the neighborhood’s residents and those who attend the three (3) churches in the community.

Again, the Police Department asks anyone who knows anything about this double homicide to call 911 or call the agency main number at 770-720-4883.  

This continues to be an active investigation and more information / updates will be released when available.
_________________________________________

Previous Press Release: Thursday July 13, 2017

Police Detectives have charged a Mr. Brody Austin Samples age: 23 of Ball Ground, GA. and a Mr. Temarlos Marquarous Turner age: 22 of Canton, GA., with Felony Murder (2 counts) and Aggravated Assault (2 counts) as a result of this active investigation, both individuals are in custody at this time.

Facts surrounding the case:
• The shooting occurred after a confrontation involving two (2) opposing groups.
• Was this drug related? Was this gang related? We are still working to answer these questions before we can relay the exact motive in this crime.
• Detectives continue to work to identify more individuals who fired weapons during the incident.
• Additional arrests are pending in this case.
• Detectives are working to determine if a shots fired incident during the evening of July 11, 2017, involving the arrest of three (3) individuals for Aggravated Assault is linked to this investigation.
• Officers will continue to extra patrol and maintain a committed presence in the area of Crisler St. in an effort to ensure the safety and security of the neighborhood’s residents and those who attend the three (3) churches in the community.
Again, the Police Department asks anyone who knows anything about this double homicide to call 911 or call the agency main number at 770-720-4883.

This continues to be an active investigation and more information / updates will be released when available.

_____________________________________________

Previous Press Release: Friday, June 30, 2017
Double Homicide Investigation Update

UPDATE: Police Detectives have arrested and charged a Mr. Jeremy Ulysses Zellous age: 29 of Marietta, GA., with Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, False Statements and tampering with evidence as a result of this investigation.

Other persons arrested during the inquiry are a Mr. Brody Samples age: 23 of Ball Ground, GA., who has been charged with Violation of Bond through Pickens County and a Mr. Joe Goldback age: 35 of Jasper, GA., who has been charged with Obstruction of an Officer.

Facts surrounding the case:
• We know this was not a random shooting because the individuals involved knew each other.
• The shooting occurred after a confrontation involving two (2) opposing groups.
• Was this drug related? Was this gang related? We are still working to answer these questions before we can relay the exact motive in this crime.
• This is an extremely complex investigation with multiple people involved. Detectives continue to work to identify individuals who fired weapons during the incident.
• Are the individuals arrested persons of interest in this case? Yes
• Crime Scene Investigators collected over seventy (70) rounds that were fired the night of the crime.
• Additional arrests are imminent in this investigation.

Officers will continue to extra patrol and maintain a committed presence in the area of Crisler St. in an effort to ensure the safety and security of the neighborhood’s residents and those who attend the three (3) churches in the community.

Again, the Police Department asks anyone who knows anything about this double homicide to call 911 or call the agency main number at 770-720-4883.

This continues to be an active investigation and more information / updates will be released when available.

___________________________________________________

Previous Press Release: Monday, June 26, 2017

Officers, Detectives and Cherokee Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigators have completed processing the shooting scene on Crisler Street. Detectives are actively in the field working leads in this case and continuing to conduct additional interviews in an effort to identify suspects and learn the motive behind this violent crime. The victim who was transported to Kennestone Hospital sustained non-life threatening injuries.

The two (2) victims killed in the shooting are a Mr. William Kendrick Randall age: 23 of Canton, Ga. and a Mr. Tony Samples age: 26 of Ballground, Ga.

The Police Department continues to request anyone who knows anything about this double homicide to call 911 or call the agency main number at 770-720-4883.

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

____________________________________________

Previous Press Release: Monday, June 26, 2017

On Sunday, June 25, 2017 at approximately 11:20 pm, Officers were dispatched to the report of multiple gunshots in the area of Crisler Street. As Officers responded, there was another call to Emergency Dispatch advising several persons had been shot and seriously injured. When units arrived, they discovered a male deceased in a grassy area adjacent to Crisler Street and another male wounded at a residence off Jefferson Circle. At the same time, an additional individual who had also been shot was located in a vehicle near the area and subsequently died as he was being transported to the hospital.

Currently, Officers, Detectives and members of the Cherokee Sheriff's Office Crime Scene Unit are actively working the homicide scene to collect witness statements and evidence in an effort to piece together what occurred. Detectives are also working to identify a motive and suspect(s) in this violent crime. The Police Department strongly urges anyone who knows anything about this double homicide to call 911 or call the agency main number at 770-720-4883.

This is an active investigation and more information / updates will be released when available.
___________________________________________________
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Three Arrested and None Injured During Shooting

A witness called 911 when they observed an individual shooting from a white SUV with a dealer/temporary tag near Crisler Street and Jefferson Circle around 9:43 pm on Tuesday, July 11, 2017. Canton Officers and Detectives arrived and found no one was injured and two (2) gun shell casings. An alert Cherokee Sheriff’s Deputy located and stopped a vehicle a short time later matching the description given, near Bells Ferry Rd. and Sixes Rd. A stolen handgun from Virginia was located at the scene and further investigation led to the arrest of three (3) suspects who occupied the vehicle.

Individuals arrested:
• Bryon Elrod, 31 yrs. old of Canton, GA
• Brian Miller, 31 yrs. old of Canton, GA
• Darron Brown, 27 yrs. old of Canton, GA

All suspects have been charged with the following crimes:
• Aggravated Assault- 5 cts.
• Theft by Receiving
• Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon
• Possession of Firearm During Commission of Felony,
• Reckless Conduct

Canton Detectives are actively working this investigation to determine if this incident was associated with a recent shooting in the area that led to the death of two individuals.

Chief Mark J. Mitchell advised, "We are grateful no one was hurt during this incident. I want to thank the Cherokee Sheriff's Office for their vital assistance which led to these individuals being arrested and removed from the streets in our community. Our Detectives continue to work this case as well as the double homicide to see if a connection exists between these two violent crimes. My hope is with our strong presence, the arrest from last night and our active investigation with the homicide case toward further arrests, these efforts will greatly improve the quality of life for the good citizens who live in this area and bring justice to both of these criminal acts."

City of Canton Holds Press Conference

Canton Police Department Chief of Police Mark J. Mitchell along with City Manager Billy Peppers, Mayor Gene Hobgood and members of City Council will be holding a press conference on the Third Floor of Canton City Hall (151 Elizabeth St, Canton, GA), Friday, July 14, 2017 at 1000 am.

Chief Mitchell will be speaking about previously released updates to the on-going double homicide investigation and recent shooting incident on Crisler Street and Jefferson Circle. City Manager Billy Peppers will discuss recent improvements and future enhancements to Burge Park / Crisler Street and Mayor Gene Hobgood will be addressing the community about the Police Department and City's efforts to maintain the safety and quality of life expected by the very good citizens who live in this area.

Double Homicide Investigation – Additional Arrest

Temarlos Turner- Arrested

Press Release: Thursday July 13, 2017

Police Detectives have charged a Mr. Brody Austin Samples age: 23 of Ball Ground, GA. and a Mr. Temarlos Marquarous Turner age: 22 of Canton, GA., with Felony Murder (2 counts) and Aggravated Assault (2 counts) as a result of this active investigation, both individuals are in custody at this time.

Facts surrounding the case:

• The shooting occurred after a confrontation involving two (2) opposing groups.
• Was this drug related? Was this gang related? We are still working to answer these questions before we can relay the exact motive in this crime.
• Detectives continue to work to identify more individuals who fired weapons during the incident.
• Additional arrests are pending in this case. 
• Detectives are working to determine if a shots fired incident during the evening of July 11, 2017, involving the arrest of three (3) individuals for Aggravated Assault is linked to this investigation. 
• Officers will continue to extra patrol and maintain a committed presence in the area of Crisler St. in an effort to ensure the safety and security of the neighborhood’s residents and those who attend the three (3) churches in the community.

Again, the Police Department asks anyone who knows anything about this double homicide to call 911 or call the agency main number at 770-720-4883.

This continues to be an active investigation and more information / updates will be released when available.

_____________________________________________

Previous Press Release: Friday, June 30, 2017
Double Homicide Investigation Update

UPDATE: Police Detectives have arrested and charged a Mr. Jeremy Ulysses Zellous age: 29 of Marietta, GA., with Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, False Statements and tampering with evidence as a result of this investigation.

Other persons arrested during the inquiry are a Mr. Brody Samples age: 23 of Ball Ground, GA., who has been charged with Violation of Bond through Pickens County and a Mr. Joe Goldback age: 35 of Jasper, GA., who has been charged with Obstruction of an Officer.

Facts surrounding the case:

• We know this was not a random shooting because the individuals involved knew each other. 
• The shooting occurred after a confrontation involving two (2) opposing groups. 
• Was this drug related? Was this gang related? We are still working to answer these questions before we can relay the exact motive in this crime. 
• This is an extremely complex investigation with multiple people involved. Detectives continue to work to identify individuals who fired weapons during the incident. 
• Are the individuals arrested persons of interest in this case? Yes 
• Crime Scene Investigators collected over seventy (70) rounds that were fired the night of the crime. 
• Additional arrests are imminent in this investigation. 

Officers will continue to extra patrol and maintain a committed presence in the area of Crisler St. in an effort to ensure the safety and security of the neighborhood’s residents and those who attend the three (3) churches in the community.

Again, the Police Department asks anyone who knows anything about this double homicide to call 911 or call the agency main number at 770-720-4883.

This continues to be an active investigation and more information / updates will be released when available.

___________________________________________________

Previous Press Release: Monday, June 26, 2017

Officers, Detectives and Cherokee Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigators have completed processing the shooting scene on Crisler Street. Detectives are actively in the field working leads in this case and continuing to conduct additional interviews in an effort to identify suspects and learn the motive behind this violent crime. The victim who was transported to Kennestone Hospital sustained non-life threatening injuries.

The two (2) victims killed in the shooting are a Mr. William Kendrick Randall age: 23 of Canton, Ga. and a Mr. Tony Samples age: 26 of Ballground, Ga.

The Police Department continues to request anyone who knows anything about this double homicide to call 911 or call the agency main number at 770-720-4883.

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

____________________________________________

Previous Press Release: Monday, June 26, 2017

On Sunday, June 25, 2017 at approximately 11:20 pm, Officers were dispatched to the report of multiple gunshots in the area of Crisler Street. As Officers responded, there was another call to Emergency Dispatch advising several persons had been shot and seriously injured. When units arrived, they discovered a male deceased in a grassy area adjacent to Crisler Street and another male wounded at a residence off Jefferson Circle. At the same time, an additional individual who had also been shot was located in a vehicle near the area and subsequently died as he was being transported to the hospital.

Currently, Officers, Detectives and members of the Cherokee Sheriff's Office Crime Scene Unit are actively working the homicide scene to collect witness statements and evidence in an effort to piece together what occurred. Detectives are also working to identify a motive and suspect(s) in this violent crime. The Police Department strongly urges anyone who knows anything about this double homicide to call 911 or call the agency main number at 770-720-4883.

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

Three Arrested and None Injured During Shooting

A witness called 911 when they observed an individual shooting from a white SUV with a dealer/temporary tag near Crisler Street and Jefferson Circle around 9:43 pm on Tuesday, July 11, 2017. Canton Officers and Detectives arrived and found no one was injured and two (2) gun shell casings. An alert Cherokee Sheriff’s Deputy located and stopped a vehicle a short time later matching the description given, near Bells Ferry Rd. and Sixes Rd. A stolen handgun from Virginia was located at the scene and further investigation led to the arrest of three (3) suspects who occupied the vehicle.

Individuals arrested:

• Bryon Elrod, 31 yrs. old of Canton, GA
• Brian Miller, 31 yrs. old of Canton, GA
• Darron Brown, 27 yrs. old of Canton, GA

All suspects have been charged with the following crimes:

• Aggravated Assault- 5 cts.
• Theft by Receiving
• Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon
• Possession of Firearm During Commission of Felony,
• Reckless Conduct

Canton Detectives are actively working this investigation to determine if this incident was associated with a recent shooting in the area that led to the death of two individuals.

Chief Mark J. Mitchell advised, "We are grateful no one was hurt during this incident. I want to thank the Cherokee Sheriff's Office for their vital assistance which led to these individuals being arrested and removed from the streets in our community. Our Detectives continue to work this case as well as the double homicide to see if a connection exists between these two violent crimes. My hope is with our strong presence, the arrest from last night and our active investigation with the homicide case toward further arrests, these efforts will greatly improve the quality of life for the good citizens who live in this area and bring justice to both of these criminal acts."

Dismantled Prostitution Organization

Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad (CMANS), Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), United States Department of Homeland Security and the Canton Police Department worked together to dismantle a prostitution organization on Monday, July 10, 2017.  After a month long investigation by the agencies five (5) individuals were arrested and charged.

·        Aroldo Roca-Lara, 31 yrs. old of Canton, GA – Possession of Cocaine (O.C.G.A. 16-13-30) and Misd. Obstruction (O.C.G.A. 16-10-24)

·        Jesus Benigno Hernandez Velazquez, 52 yrs. Old of Canton, GA – Keeping a Place of Prostitution (O.C.G.A. 16-6-10) and RICO (O.C.G.A. 16-14-4)

·        Alicia Navarro Flores, 32 yrs. old of Norcross, GA – Prostitution (O.C.G.A 16-6-9) and RICO (O.C.G.A 16-14-4)

·        Roberto Chavez-Duran, 38 yrs. old of Norcross, GA – Pimping (O.C.G.A 16-6-11) and RICO (O.C.G.A 16-14-4) and False Statements

·        Juan Escabar-Tercero, 48 yrs. Old of Canton, GA – Pimping (O.C.G.A 16-6-11) and RICO (O.C.G.A 16-14-4)

The agencies concluded the Roca-Lara was the proprietor of the prostitution house located at 310 Archer Street and was working alongside Velazquez and Flores.  During the serving of the warrants, Flores was at the residence and was charged with prostitution.  Also, Tercer, a local cab driver who operates in the Canton area was charged in the operation.

A tip to CMANS led to the investigation and authorities are asking the public to continue report any suspicious behavior that may be linked to this type of activity. This is an ongoing investigation by the GBI and Homeland Security to identify and link any additional prostitution operations throughout the state. 

Coffee with a Cop

The Police Department’s next Coffee with a Cop community event will be held on Friday, July 28, 2017 from 8:00 - 10:00 am., at East Main Cafe located at 210 East Main Street, Canton, GA. This on-going outreach allows Officers and citizens to connect, engage, problem solve and build important trusting relationships which are vital to improving the quality of life for everyone in the community.

Chief Mark J. Mitchell stated, “We strongly believe Coffee with a Cop is one of the most important monthly activities we are involved in which is essential to us connecting with the citizens we serve. Our organizational attitude, mindset and philosophy is to build a foundation of trust with each segment of our community and diligently grow a very positive culture between our hard working department and this great City.”

Chief Mitchell said, “I want to thank our citizens for their support and feedback which greatly assists us in providing better police services and also “humanizes the badge” to both adults and children. Our hope is that our citizens will see we truly care about them, their quality of life, their safety and what goes on in our City.”

Chief Mitchell added, “I would like to thank East Main Cafe and their management team for inviting us to be a part of such an important community event.”