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