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