Canton Welcomes New Officer

Today Canton's Chief of Police, Stephen Merrifield, introduced its newest Police Officer, Dontravious Calhoun, to the agency. He was sworn into the department with the Oath of Office by Judge Thomas A. Roach Jr. at the Canton Public Safety and Municipal Court Complex. Family, friends, and other members of the Canton Police were in attendance to show their support. Officer Calhoun previously served seven years at the Georgia Department of Corrections where he served as a Lieutenant. 

Judge T. Roach, Chief S. Merrifield, Ofc. D. Calhoun, Capt. J. Tucker

Pedestrian Killed Crossing Street

Press Release Update: Tuesday, June 17, 2020:

On Tuesday, June 16, 2020, a warrant was issued for the arrest of Christi Hinkley in connection with the fatal pedestrian accident that killed Sebastian Gregorio-Diego last November.

The arrest warrant accuses Hinkley, 64 years-old of Canton, of one count Homicide By Vehicle In 1 St Degree, a felony and one count Hit And Run Resulting In Serious Injury Or Death, a felony.

Hinkley voluntarily turned herself into the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center where she was booked on the charges.


Please see the previous press releases for further information.



Monday, November 26, 2019 Update:

The pedestrian who was struck by the SUV has been identified as:
Sebastian Gregorio-Diego
58 years old of Canton GA


Friday, November 22, 2019 Update:

At this time the Cherokee County Coroner's Office is still working to make a positive identification of the pedestrian.  An autopsy was conducted today by the GBI crime lab with results pending.

The driver of the SUV was Christi Hinkley, 64 years-old of Canton, Georgia. 

This incident is still an ongoing investigation.

Original press release 1:47 PM, 11/21/2019:

A pedestrian was struck by an automobile in Canton, Georgia on Wednesday, November 20, 2019.

Canton Police and Cherokee County Fire personnel responded to the incident near 217 Riverstone Pkwy around 7:45 pm.


Responders located a 52-year-old male from Canton.  The man was struck by an SUV as he attempted to cross the street.  The man succumbed to his injuries on the scene.

The suspect driving the vehicle was a 64-year-old Canton woman.

The accident is being investigated by the Canton Police Department with the assistance of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit. 

Canton Swears In New Police Officer

Today Canton's interim Chief of Police Stephen Merrifield introduced its newest Police Officer, Ben Johnson, to the agency. He was sworn into the department with the Oath of Office by Judge Darrell Caudill at the Canton Public Safety and Municipal Court Complex. Family, friends, and other members of the Canton Police were in attendance to show their support. Officer Johnson brings four years of law enforcement experience, having served previously at the Cobb County Police Department.

Interim Chief Merrifield stated, "Working for a community-oriented police department requires a special officer that has a mindset of community, an attitude of service, and a heart of protection. We feel Officer Johnson is one of those special officers and are excited to have him join our department."

Left to right: Cpt. W. Turner, Judge Darrell Caudill, Ofc. B. Johnson, Chief Stephen Merrifield, Lt. J. Lummus, Cpt. J. Tucker

Suspect Located and Arrested after Domestic Dispute

At approximately 5:45 PM, Tuesday, November 12, 2019, Canton Officers responded to a domestic dispute at the 4000 building of River Ridge Apartments. Officers discovered a female victim at the scene who had fled her apartment from the suspect, her boyfriend, Joseph Evely.  It was determined during the investigation Mr. Evely had assaulted the victim in their apartment.  Officers were unable to make contact with the suspect who was reported to be in the apartment armed with a handgun.

The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office assisted by deploying their SWAT and Negotiation Team.  After obtaining a warrant for the arrest of Mr. Evely, SWAT made entry into the apartment and found it to be unoccupied. 

Several hours later Canton Officers were able to locate and arrest Mr. Evely at the apartment complex without incident.

Joseph L. Evely, 19 yrs. old of Canton, Ga. is being charged with the violation of O.C.G.A 16-11-37 Terroristic Threats and Acts (Felony) the violation of 16-53.1(a) Battery F.V.A (Misdemeanor) with other charges pending.

Terroristic Threats Arrest

At approximately 8:50 P.M. on Thursday, November 7, 2019, Canton Officers responded to a water leak coming from an apartment into a unit below at the Heritage Apartments located at 101 Heritage Dr, Canton, GA.  Officers attempted to make contact with the resident of the apartment, Jushua Honea.  Mr. Honea refused to cooperate and made terroristic threats towards officers and his wife.  He then barricaded himself inside the residence.  

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office assisted by deploying their Negotiation team and later joined by Cherokee SWAT.  After a four and a half hour negotiation period, the SWAT team made entry into the apartment and apprehended Mr. Honea without incident.  He was transported to the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center.

Interim Chief Merrifield stated, "I would like to commend our Officer's response to the call and would like to thank the Cherokee County Sherrif's Office for their fast response and safe resolution to the situation.  I would also like to thank the Cherokee County Fire Department, who also was on scene assisting during the incident.  We are proud to have such a great working relationship with all the responding agencies". 

Suspect:
Joshua Honea 36 yrs old of Canton Ga

Charge: 
O.C.G.A. 16-11-37 Terroristic Threats

Canton Police Welcomes New Officer

Canton Police held a swearing-in ceremony for it's newest Officer, Alexander Ball. He was sworn into the department by Judge Darrell Caudill on Thursday, September 26, 2019, at the Canton Public Safety and Municipal Court Complex. Family, friends, and other members of the Canton Police force were in attendance to show their support. Officer Ball served as a Police Officer at the Gainesville Police Department for two years before joining the Canton Police Department.

Interim Chief Merrifield stated "We are blessed that Officer Ball has chosen the Canton Police Department to continue his law enforcement career. He has the right mindset, attitude, and heart to faithfully serve our community. We welcome him to the CPD and look forward to his service".



Left to right: Capt. J. Tucker, Interim Chief Stephen Merrifield, Ofc A. Ball, Judge D. Caudill, Capt. W. Turner, Lt. J. Lummus

Terroristic Threats and Acts Arrest

On Tuesday, September 3, 2019, just after 5:00 pm., Officers received information in reference to threats being made at Canton City Hall.  Upon further review, it was reported an individual was not satisfied with the service provided to him while waiting in line at the City Utility Department and made a statement that he was going to get his gun and come back to shoot everyone.

Criminal Investigation Division Detectives quickly began an inquiry into the serious matter, obtained witness statements and an omission from the suspect.  He was arrested just before 8:30 pm. and will be charged with the crime of Terroristic Threats and Acts.

Chief Mark J. Mitchell said, “I am very proud of the swift work of our Detectives and the fact we were able to intervene and bring a safe and successful resolution to this incident.  Our City Staff works very hard as it relates to solving problems and brings very professional customer service to our citizenry.  We will not tolerate someone threatening violence and will investigate these potentially volatile situations with a true sense of urgency and justice.”

Chief Mitchell added, “As in this case, it is very important to remind our citizens and employees alike to bring these types of threatening statements forward to the attention of Law Enforcement because of the potential of threats to be turned into harmful and deadly actions by those who have the capacity to carry them out against those we serve.”   

Suspect Information: 
Mr. Malton Howard Nelson – age: 69 of Canton, GA.

Charges:  
Terroristic Threats and Acts   

Canton Police Chief Returns from Police Leadership Training in Israel

Chief Mark J. Mitchell presents Award of Appreciation to Israeli Police Commander.   

ATLANTA— Canton Police Chief Mark Mitchell has returned after an intensive two weeks of public safety leadership training with Israel’s top police executives. He trained in Israel with another 12 Georgia police chiefs and command staff, two sheriffs, a Georgia Bureau of Investigation inspector and executives from the Georgia State Patrol, Stone Mountain Department of Public Safety and Georgia Command College.

He was in a 21-member delegation of senior law enforcement officials from Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina participating in the Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange’s (GILEE) 27th annual peer-to-peer training program in partnership with Israel. While there, the delegates were shown best practices and the latest technologies in policing and public safety.

Community policing, “a policy and a strategy aimed at achieving more effective and efficient crime control, reduced fear of crime, improved quality of life, improved police services and police legitimacy, through a proactive reliance on community resources that seeks to change crime-causing conditions,” was the focus again this year.

Community policing assumes a need for greater accountability of police, a greater public share in decision-making and a greater concern for civil rights and liberties, according to Robbie Friedmann, who formulated the definition. A professor emeritus at Georgia State University and GILEE’s founding director, he led this year’s delegation.

More than 770 public safety officials—most from Georgia—have participated in the program in Israel. Nearly 35,000 have attended additional GILEE trainings, briefings, seminars and workshops in Georgia and around the world.

“Our GILEE delegates return with new ways of developing, collaborating on and using strategies to minimize the production of crime and terrorism,” said GILEE executive director Steve Heaton. “In GILEE’s 27 years, many of these graduates have gone on to serve in key leadership roles in Georgia and beyond.”

GILEE is a research unit within Georgia State’s Andrew Young School of Policy Studies. It enhances public safety by nurturing existing and new partnerships within and across public agencies and the private sector. It has received multiple awards and honors, including the Special Service Award from the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police and the Georgia Governor’s Public Safety Award.

Chief Mark J. Mitchell added, "I am very blessed to have been chosen to attend this delegation exchange to Israel. Their National Police Agency, Military and people are extremely passionate, diligent, loyal and resilient each day they work to protect their country. I learned the Israeli Police do a great job of training their Officers to be a success, excel in their efforts to proactively prevent terrorism / crime, communicate / share intelligence across all law enforcement divisions and see the need to build trusting relationships, legitimacy and engagement with the many different cultures and religions they work with to generate an atmosphere of harmony in their country. I feel certain this experience will further strengthen our philosophy, culture and strategies of training our officers toward success, protecting those we serve and building a stronger foundation of trust with the great citizens in our community."

“I believe GILEE offers one of the best leadership development training programs globally,” said Donald De Lucca, a three-time police chief and past president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), in a recent letter to GILEE. “The inside look and hands-on learning provide executives with a broader view of some of the best practices available to the police profession.”

In fact, several U.S. and international professional policing associations and academic institutions have written this year in support of the many contributions GILEE has made to the field’s professional development. Learn more about the Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange at gilee.gsu.edu.

Active Death Investigation

Update: Wednesday, July 3, 2019, at 12:30 P.M.

Today Canton Detectives arrested Gary Matthew Allen (31 yrs old) of Jasper Georgia.  The arrest came as part of an ongoing investigation of the death of Leon Danzis that occurred at a local restaurant on Friday, June 28, 2019.

Mr. Allen was arrested and transported to the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center, where he was booked in with the following charges:

O.C.G.A 16-5-21(a)(2) Aggravated Assault With A Deadly Weapon (1 count) (Felony)
O.C.G.A 16-5-24(a) Aggravated Battery (1 count) (Felony)
O.C.G.A 16-5-1(c) Murder during the Commission of a Felony (1count)


Original Press Release (6/29/2019 AT 5:46 A.M.):


The Canton Police Department responded to Canton Ice House at 150 Keith Dr. Canton, Ga on June 28th at approximately 10:19 p.m. in reference to an altercation which had occurred inside the business. Leon Danzis, a 45-year-old male of Houschton, Ga. was transported to Northside Cherokee Hospital and was later pronounced deceased. The Canton Police Department is actively investigating this incident and ask anyone with information to please contact the Police Department at (770)720-4883.

Police Arrest Canton Entering Auto Suspects

On Monday, July 1, 2019, at 3:43 A.M., Canton Officers responded to the Great Sky subdivision regarding suspects attempting to steal from vehicles in the neighborhood. Upon arriving in the area, an Officer located a dark-colored passenger car with two suspects running towards it. The suspects appeared to have been exiting a victims truck and were attempting to leave the area as Officers conducted a traffic stop. Upon investigation, six suspects were detained and stolen items were recovered from the neighborhood and other communities.

Officers discovered four handguns, ammunition, laptop, clothing, camera, and other items that are believed to have been stolen.

Canton Detectives have located the stolen property from Entering Auto cases that occurred on the previous Friday night in the River Green Subdivision.

Detectives are actively working with multiple surrounding agencies to determine if this case may be related to other crimes in the area. Detectives are asking members of the community if they have information relating to this case to please call 770-720-4883 or email asghar.hajloo@cantonga.gov.

Felony Entering Auto Charges:

Quinn Chajuan Dawson 19 yrs old from Atlanta GA

Jacquez Daquan Ivey 19 yrs old from Warm Spring GA

Darell Marrion 17 yrs old from College Park GA

Tyjuan Shecorn Burch 18 yrs old from Atlanta GA

Two minors were also charged.

Active Death Investigation

Update: Wednesday, July 3, 2019, at 12:30 P.M.

Today Canton Detectives arrested Gary Matthew Allen (31 yrs old) of Jasper Georgia.  The arrest came as part of an ongoing investigation of the death of Leon Danzis that occurred at a local restaurant on Friday, June 28, 2019.

Mr. Allen was arrested and transported to the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center, where he was booked in with the following charges:

O.C.G.A 16-5-21(a)(2) Aggravated Assult With A Deadly Weapon (1 count) (Felony)
O.C.G.A 16-5-24(a) Aggravated Battery (1 count) (Felony)
O.C.G.A 16-5-1(c) Murder during the Commission of a Felony (1count)


Original Press Release (6/29/2019 AT 5:46 A.M.):


The Canton Police Department responded to Canton Ice House at 150 Keith Dr. Canton, Ga on June 28th at approximately 10:19 p.m. in reference to an altercation which had occurred inside the business. Leon Danzis, a 45-year-old male of Houschton, Ga. was transported to Northside Cherokee Hospital and was later pronounced deceased. The Canton Police Department is actively investigating this incident and ask anyone with information to please contact the Police Department at (770)720-4883.

Canton Police Welcomes New Officers

Canton Police held a swearing-in ceremony for its newest Officers Michael Caplan, Hayley Wagner, and Carlos Henao.

Officer Caplan, Officer Wagner, and Officer Henao

They were sworn into the department by Judge Darrell Caudill on Wednesday, June 26, 2019, at Canton Police Department. Family, friends and other members of the Canton Police force were in attendance to show their support.

Chief Mark Mitchell stated "We are certain they are going to be a very good fit and an asset to our agency and community we serve. They all have the right Attitude, Mindset, and Heart to be part of the Police Department and citizens we engage with every day.”

Left to right: Deputy Chief Stephen Merrifield, Lt. Matt Baldwin, Officer Michael Caplan, Officer Hayley Wagner, Lt. John Lummus, Officer Carlos Henao, Captain Jeff Tucker, and Captain Wendell Turner.

Detectives Charge Burglary Suspect

On Wednesday, May 15, 2019, at 1:41 a.m., officers responded to an audible alarm at the Cloud 9 Smoke and Vape Company located at 180 Riverstone Parkway, Suite 100.  Upon arrival, units discovered the front glass door of the business to be shattered with a large cinder-block.  Further investigation revealed through video surveillance, a young white male wearing a grey hoodie threw a cinder-block through the door and stole several vape devices before quickly leaving the store.

Police Detectives began working the case, followed several leads and received information to help solve the incident through social media after the agency shared it with the public.  The suspect is a juvenile and will be charged with Burglary (GA Code § 16-7-1). The burglary investigation led detectives to charge the suspect with Shoplifting (GA Code §16-8-14) from an unsolved case that occurred at the Canton Wal-Mart on May 7, 2019.  In addition, the individual had been arrested by the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office in connection with an earlier burglary back in April of this year.

Chief Mark J. Mitchell added, "I appreciate the very hard work of our detectives to solve this case.  Also, we are very grateful for the public's help via social media to assist in the identification of the suspect.  Our Social Media platforms have been a great tool to help us quickly get information out to the community who in-turn supports and partners with us each day to improve the quality of life for us all in our great city." 

Canton Police Welcomes New Officer

Canton Police held a swearing-in ceremony for its newest Officer, Dennis Pishock. He was sworn into the department by Judge Thomas A. Roach Jr. on Monday, May 6, 2019. Family, friends and other members of the Canton Police force were in attendance to show their support. Officer Pishock comes to us as a Certified Officer and 18 years of experience with the Gwinnett County Fire Department.

Chief Mark Mitchell stated "We feel Officer Pishock is going to be a very good fit and an asset to our agency and community we serve. He has the right Attitude, Mindset, and Heart to be part of the Police Department and citizens we engage with each day."

False Report of a Crime Arrest

Canton Police announce the arrest of a suspect, Dakota Hoskins (28 YOA) of Jasper, Georgia. Hoskins is charged with False Report of a Crime and Misuse of 911. These charges stem from an incident that took place on  April 24th, 2019 where Canton Police received a 911 call regarding an Armed Robbery taking place at a local convenience store in Canton.

Canton Officers and Detectives determined that no crime had taken place and the 911 call was a False Report.  Mr. Hoskins was determined to be the suspect after reviewing the 911 call and previous incidents where he had been arrested.

During the investigation, Canton Police Detectives spoke with Detectives from the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office and the Cherokee County Marshall's Office. Hoskins was also charged with additional charges stemming from other incidents on previous dates where he had made similar calls to 911 and which were also False Reports. At this time, Hoskins has been arrested and is being held in the Cherokee County Jail.

Canton Police Welcomes New Officer

Canton Police held a swearing-in ceremony for its newest Officer, Tyler Schluter. He was sworn into the department by Judge Thomas A. Roach Jr. on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, at Canton City Hall. Family, friends and other members of the Canton Police force were in attendance to show their support. Officer Schluter had previously serviced as a police officer in Atlanta before joining our department.


Chief Mark Mitchell stated "We feel Officer Schluter is going to be a very good fit and an asset to our agency and community we serve.  He has the right Attitude, Mindset, and Heart to be part of the Police Department and citizens we engage with each day." 

Easter Egg Hunt – Community Cookout – Unity Walk

The Canton Police Department in partnership with the below organizations would like to invite the community we serve to our 4th Annual Easter Egg Hunt, Community Cookout and Unity walk scheduled this year at Etowah River Park on Saturday, April 20, 2019, from 12:00 – 3:00 pm.  The event will be held at the park pavilion and will kick off with several different egg hunts for children of all ages.  The hunt for eggs will be followed by a cookout and then everyone will join in a walk of unity from Etowah River Park to Heritage Park and back to the pavilion.  There will also be jumpy houses for kids and many of the department’s police vehicles for children to explore.
Community Partners

• Hickory Log Baptist Church
• Zion Baptist Church
• St. Paul AME Church
• Zion Full Gospel World Ministries
• The City of Covenant Church
• Mt. Calvary Baptist Church
• Iglesia Pentecostes El Faro 
• Iglesia Mana Para Siempre
• Hasty Fine Arts Academy 

Chief Mark J. Mitchell states, “We look forward to this event each year because of the excellent opportunity our Officers have to engage with the children and parents we serve in our great community.  We are grateful and blessed to have an awesome partnership with our local churches and Hasty Elementary School.  We hope this year’s program is our largest event yet because we want to bring as many people together in unity to continue to improve trust and build long-lasting relationships for our future.” 

Canton Detectives Search for Burglary Suspects

This week, Officers responded to two (2) reported theft incidents at 201 Clubhouse Drive in the River Green Subdivision.  First, on Monday, March 25, 2019, at approximately 1:42 pm., units were called to the location and upon further investigation, learned both restrooms at the neighborhood clubhouse had been entered just after 1:15 am., the same day.  Officers were able to obtain surveillance video of the facility and observed a white male and white female come onto the property and appear to pick the locks of both restrooms.  Before the suspect(s) left the scene, the video shows the male stole pieces of the hardware from the door locking systems of both bathrooms.

The next day, Officers were again called to the River Green Clubhouse and advised, the duo came back on Tuesday, March 26, 2019, during the early morning hours.  Surveillance video was reviewed and showed the same suspects removed and stole the security badge reader controllers and the exit button from both gate entrances to the pool area.

Criminal Investigation Division Detectives responded and immediately began investigating the obviously linked cases.  Early into the investigation, an alert Detective keenly recognized the male in the video as a person he had dealt with during a previous call for service.  As he dug further, he indeed confirmed his suspicions and identified the suspect along with his girlfriend (through various Intelligence and Social Media platforms) as the actors involved in both crimes.

Arrest Warrants have been secured for both individuals who are being sought at this time. The department urges anyone with information on the whereabouts of the wanted individuals to please call 911 or send a tip to Detective Kyle Smith via his e-mail at kyle.smith@cantonga.gov.

Names of the suspects are:
Jeremy Bean 38 YOA of Atlanta
Meghan Williams 26 YOA of Acworth

Both are charged as follows:
-1 Ct. of Burglary
-2 Cts. of Theft by Taking (m)
-1 Ct. of Possession of Tools for Commission of a Crime 
-1 Ct. of Criminal Trespass

Wanted: Jeremy Bean

Wanted: Meghan Williams

Community Recruitment Expo

The Police Department is currently hiring for the position of Police Officer. The agency is actively looking 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. To further the goal of employing those candidates who are the best fit for the department, the organization will be hosting a “Community Recruitment Expo” on Saturday, March 30th, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Paul AME Church located at 390 Crisler Street, Canton, GA 30114.

Those interested in attending this informative event, will need to be there no later than 1:00 p.m. Attendees will be given a presentation that covers the agency’s mission statement, core values, nobility statement, budget facts, breakdown of latest new equipment, current programs, work-projects, and an overview of the organization’s structure. In addition, presenters will cover a summary of the department’s hiring standards, the hiring process, and employee salary/ benefits. The event will end with a question and answer session for persons in attendance.

Chief Mark J. Mitchell stated, “We are very excited to host this event because our goal is to attract the most professional, viable, diverse, and community-oriented candidates that are the best for our organization. We are working hard to build a team that strives to connect with our citizens, protect our public, supports each other and endeavors to improve the quality of life for the community we serve. We want to be proactive in the recruitment of officer candidates and not simply be reactive by posting the position and waiting for individuals to apply.”

This vital recruitment initiative was organized in partnership with Zion Baptist Church, The City of Covenant Church, Zion Full Gospel Ministries, Iglesia Pentecostes El Faro, Iglesia Mana Para Siempre, St. Paul AME Church, Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, and Hasty Elementary Fine Arts Academy.

Chief Mitchell urges attendees to bring completed applications to the event, so department staff members can meet with candidates to discuss their applications before they move any further in the hiring process. Citizens are encouraged to monitor the department’s active Facebook and Instagram page for further recruiting information in the coming weeks before the Expo.

Canton Police Promotion Ceremony

During a promotion ceremony held Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at the Canton Police Department, two (2) Officers and two (2) Corporals were promoted to higher ranks within the organization. Each of these employees recently participated in a promotional assessment to include a written examination and a panel interview process. Chief Mark J. Mitchell presented the Officers with their Attention to Orders and their family members or friends pinned their new supervisor badges on their uniforms.


Officer Kyle Harahus was promoted to the rank of Corporal.
Officer Adam Yurkovsky was promoted to the rank of Corporal
Corporal Jose Souto was promoted to the rank of Sergeant
Corporal Gregory Ayers was promoted to the rank of Sergeant


Chief Mitchell added, "We are extremely proud of each of these Officers because of the hard work and dedication they put into this promotional process. I feel certain they will continue to grow as leaders in their current positions all with the potential to be exceptional leaders of the future with our department and community we serve. I am proud, humbled and honored to serve with each of them."

Canton Police Welcomes New Officer

Canton Police held a swearing-in ceremony for it's newest Officer, Gary Pruitt. He was sworn into the department by Judge Thomas A. Roach Jr. on Wednesday, February 27, 2019, at Canton City Hall.  Family, friends and other members of the Canton Police force were in attendance to show their support. Officer Pruitt served as a Police Officer at the Summerville Police Department for a year before joining the Canton Police Department.

From left to right: Cpt. J. Tucker, Retired US Army Master Sgt. Don Pruitt, Ofc. Gary Pruitt, Chief Mark Mitchell

CPD Charges Entering Auto Suspects

Just after 4:15 am., on Thursday, January 24, 2019, Officers responded to the report of multiple entering auto incidents on Oconee Way.  While in-route, units were advised a suspect fired several shots while driving away at a homeowner who chased the perpetrator with a baseball bat and then struck the suspect vehicle as it fled the scene.  Upon arrival, Officers discovered a bullet hole in the victim's garage, holes in a neighboring residence/vehicle and shell casings in the street near the caller’s residence.

Criminal Investigation Detectives have worked many hours securing evidence to include surveillance videos, other records and intelligence information since the crimes occurred, which led to the identity of one (1) of the suspects involved in the incidents.  During the early evening hours of Thursday, January 31, 2019, Officers from the Cobb County Police Department VIPER team apprehended the individual whom Detectives developed as a suspect and another person of interest in the Entering Auto cases.  Detectives immediately followed up on the arrests and have been able to positively identify both individuals as the perpetrators involved in the car break-ins and shots fired incident on January 24, 2019.   

Both suspects are also wanted in connection with similar crimes in Cobb County and other jurisdictions in the Metro Atlanta Area.

Chief of Police Mark J. Mitchell stated, “We are very grateful these individuals are in custody and a safe and successful resolution was brought to these crimes against our citizens.  Our Detective’s dedication and diligence was key to the arrests and prove we will not stop investigating crimes against our community from those who come here to steal from the hard-working public we serve.”

Chief Mitchell added, “We are very appreciative for Cobb County Police Department’s assistance during this investigation.” 

Suspect Information and Charges
D-Amonte’ Brown age: 18 of Austell, Ga.
Kardarious Odoms age: 18 of Powder Springs, Ga.

Both individuals are currently being held at the Cobb County Sheriff's Office Adult Detention Center and charged and with the following.   However, additional Entering Auto charges will be filed early next week.
Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon – 1ct.
Possession of a Firearm During Commission of a Felony – 1ct.
Entering Auto – 1ct.   

CPD investigates Entering Auto incidents

2/1/2019:
Please see updated press release

1/24/2019:
On Thursday, January 24, 2019, just after 4:15 AM., our Officers responded to the report of multiple Entering Auto incidents on Oconee Way.  While en-route, units were advised a suspect fired several shots while driving away at a homeowner who chased the perpetrator with a baseball bat and then struck the suspect vehicle as it fled the scene.  Upon arrival, Officers discovered a bullet hole in the victim's garage, holes in nearby vehicles and shell casings in the street near the caller’s residence.  Further investigation revealed all vehicles entered were unlocked at the time of entry.

The only description we have on the suspect at this time is the individual is described as a male who fled in a maroon sedan.  The suspect vehicle is reported to have damage to the driver side door and window area.

At this time, Officers and Detectives are canvassing the area working to collect home surveillance video and attempting to locate any witnesses to these crimes.  Citizens with any information regarding these investigations are urged to call 911, the Police Department at 770-720-4883 or Detective Kyle Smith via e-mail at kyle.smith@cantonga.gov.

This is an on-going and fluid investigation and more information will be released when available.

Officers Arrest Vandalism Suspect

At approximately 7:15 am. this morning, Officers responded to the report of damage to several windows (rocks being thrown) at the Action Church located at 271 Marietta Rd.  Upon arrival, units began their investigation and alertly located a Hispanic male hiding in some bales of straw across the street at another business.  The department has been looking for the same individual who was arrested for a trespass incident on Marietta Rd. earlier in the week and is a person of interest in other trespassing crimes to other businesses in the same area to include Action Church.

Criminal Investigation Detectives immediately responded to conduct a more in-depth inquiry and an interview of the male.  After additional evidence was obtained, the suspect has been arrested and charged with the following from today's criminal activity and property damage incidents from last week:

(2) counts of Vandalism to a Place of Worship (F)
(4) counts of Criminal Damage to Property (F)
(1) count of Criminal Trespass (M)

Suspect information:
Mateo Martinez age: 29 - all indications appear he is homeless

This is an on-going investigation and more information will be released when available.

Canton Police Recruitment Program

The Police Department is currently hiring for the position of Police Officer. The agency is actively looking 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.

To further the goal of employing those candidates who are the best fit for the department, the organization will be hosting its second “Police Recruitment Program” on Wednesday, January 23, 2019, at 7:00 pm., on the third floor of the Canton Police Department located at 151 Elizabeth Street, Canton, Ga. 30114.

 We recommend those who are interested in attending this informative event complete an application (Cantonga.gov) prior to attending. Attendees will be given a presentation that covers the agency’s Mission Statement, Core Values, Nobility Statement, budget facts, a breakdown of latest new equipment, current programs, work-projects and an overview of the organization’s structure. In addition, presenters will cover a summary of the department’s hiring standards, the hiring process, and employee salary/benefits. The event will end with a question and answer session for persons in attendance.

Chief Mark J. Mitchell stated, “We are very excited to host this event because our goal is to attract the most professional, viable, diverse and community-oriented candidates that are the best fit for our organization. We are working hard to build a team that strives to connect with our citizens, protect our public, supports each other and endeavors to improve the quality of life for the community we serve. We want to be proactive in the recruitment of Officer candidates and not simply reactive by posting the position and wait for individuals to apply.”

Public Indecency Arrest

At approximately 8:00 pm. on Wednesday, January 16, 2019, the Police Department received a tip in reference to the possible identification of the male depicted in the earlier released information regarding a Public Indecency incident which occurred at the Canton Walmart (1550 Riverstone Pkwy.) on Monday, January 7, 2019.  A Canton Supervisor responded to further investigate the incident. Subsequently, a Mr. Demarcus Woods age: 22 of Canton, Ga. was taken into custody in Ball Ground and charged with one count of Public Indecency (§ 16-6-8 - Public indecency).  We would like to thank members of our community for taking the time to share our social media post which lead to identifying the suspect.

Canton Police to Hold Second Facebook Live Town Hall Meeting

Last month, we held our first FB Live Town Hall Meeting, which turned out to be a very successful and engaging event with our community.  You are officially invited to join us for our second FB Live program tomorrow evening (January 15, 2019) beginning at 7:00 pm. 
 
We will be discussing our 2018 Crime Statistics, our Annual Recruitment Plan, 2019 Goals and Objectives, giving an update on the New P.D., upcoming Community Events and answering questions sent to us by our citizens.   

Link to the FB Live social media post: ttps://www.facebook.com/CantonGeorgiaPD/photos/a.439869496075750/2140557326006950/?type=3&theater

Thank you for your partnership, trust, and support. 

Mark J. Mitchell, Chief of Police

Officers arrest suspect with citizen’s help

On Tuesday, January 1, 2019, at approximately 4:35 am., Officers were dispatched to the report of a suspicious person at the Ameris Bank located at 1275 Riverstone Parkway. As units responded, dispatch advised the caller relayed she could see from her residence what appeared to be an individual attempting to make forcible entry into the bank ATM. As Officers arrived on the scene, a male wearing a black jacket and yellow face mask suddenly dropped a green fence-post and took off running toward the rear of the parking lot. Officers immediately began searching the area where the suspect was last seen and eventually located the person hiding in the bushes near the rear of the bank and took him into custody without further incident.

The perpetrator was charged with a number of felony crimes regarding this incident and also accused of an additional burglary from where he attempted to break into a self-pay kiosk located at the Wash Factory Express car wash next to the bank earlier that morning.

Chief Mark J. Mitchell stated, “I am proud of the alert and quick work of our Officers and for the partnership, we have with citizens in our community who are willing to get involved to help stop criminal activity. This excellent example of Law Enforcement and the Community working together allowed us to apprehend the male before he got away to potentially be involved in further criminal acts. Taking this perpetrator off the streets in our City goes a long way toward improving our Quality of Life.”

Suspect:
Forrest Andrew Leach - age: 55 of Acworth, Ga.

Charges:
Criminal Damage to Property (Second Degree) – 2cts. (F);
Possession of Tools for the Commission of a Crime (F);
Obstruction of an Officer (M);

CPD Supervisors receive FBI Trilogy Award

In 2018, Uniform Patrol Cpl. Tyler McClure and Cpl. Jose Souto attended the FBI - Law Enforcement Executive Development Association’s (LEEDA) Supervisor Leadership Institute, Command Leadership Institute, and Executive Leadership Institute programs. 

During the course of their studies, Cpl. McClure and Cpl. Souto engaged in topics to include personality diagnostics, leadership case studies, mentoring, developing your people, performance management, risk management, and credibility.  In addition, they were involved in such areas as command discipline and liability, dealing with problem employees and leading change within an organization.  Furthermore, both Corporals engaged in other studies such as generational leadership, paradigms and change objectives, power and influence, transactional and transformational leadership and the future of law enforcement.

Cpl. McClure and Cpl. Souto recently completed this intense program and was awarded the FBI - LEEDA Trilogy Award and was recognized for this very important accomplishment during last night’s City Council Meeting.   

Police Chief Mark J. Mitchell stated, “I am extremely proud of these supervisors for their hard work and the commitment they dedicated into finishing such a very important training program.  All of our employees are vital to the success of this organization, so we must invest in their career development, which not only improves their skill sets but also continues to develop our department into a premier professional agency that supports our employees and the community we serve.” 

Cpl. Jose Souto   

Cpl. Tyler McClure