Canton Police Welcomes New Officers

Today the Canton Police Department held a swearing-in ceremony for five (5) new officers.  Officer Jesse Lee,  Officer Domenick Marotta, Officer Alfredo Rivera, and Officer Cody Hunt are recent graduates of the officer training course at the Jasper GPSTC training facility.  Officer Ryan Mueller brings three (3) years of previous law enforcement experience to the department.

The officers were sworn into the department by Judge Darrell Caudill at Canton Police Department. Family, friends, and other members of the Canton Police force were in attendance to show their support.

Detectives Secure Felony Murder Warrant

Update: 12/22/2020 2:30 P.M.

On Tuesday, December 22, 2020, Canton Detectives secured a felony murder warrant for the arrest of Chloe Driver. Ms. Driver was arrested after being discharged from the hospital for the murder of her thirteen-month-old daughter, Hannah Nicole Driver. Ms. Driver is currently being held at the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center.

Chloe Alexis Driver

20 years old

From: Jacksonville, FL/Knoxville, TN

Charges:

• 16-5-1(a) Murder with Malice (1 count) (Felony)
• 16-5-70(b) Cruelty To Children-Causes Excessive Physical Or Mental Pain - 1st Degree (1 count) (Felony)
• 16-5-21(a)(1) Aggravated Assault With Intent to Rape/Murder/Rob (1 count) (Felony)
• 16-5-24(a) Aggravated Battery (1 count) (Felony)

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Update 12/9/2020 3:00 P.M.

Canton Police Release the name of the 20 yr. old female who was taken to WellStar Kennestone Hospital.  

Chloe Alexis Driver, 20 yrs. old of Knoxville, TN.

This is an ongoing investigation, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.

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Previous Press Release 12/8/20 @ 6:56 P.M.

The Canton Police Department is investigating a stabbing that led to the death of a 13-month-old female child and caused life-threatening injuries to a 20 yr. old female. The incident occurred on Tuesday, December 8, 2020, around 2:30 P.M. and took place at a home in the 200 block of Mountain Vista Blvd (Mountain View subdivision).

Canton officers were called to the home and found the injured persons in a bedroom with stab wounds. The child was transported to Northside Hospital Cherokee, where she succumbed to her wounds. The 20 yr. old was taken to WellStar Kennestone Hospital and is listed in serious condition.

Canton detectives are actively working the investigation and interviewing multiple persons. Detectives have made no arrests at this time and do not believe the community is at risk.

The names of the individuals are being withheld until death notifications have been made. This is an active investigation, and more details will be given when available.

Life-Saving Awards

The Canton Police Department recognized four (4) officers for their life-saving efforts on Thursday, December 18, 2020, at the Canton City Council meeting.

During the presentation, Chief Stephen Merrifield presented each officer with their award and described the two different incidents where officers’ efforts saved lives.

Sergeant Jose Souto and Officer Luis Salas received their awards in their response to a suicidal individual who was threatening to harm themselves with a firearm. The officers’ brave and quick decisions let to the peaceful resolution of a dangerous and life-threatening situation. The incident occurred on September 18th, 2020, at a local apartment complex.

On October 23, 2020, Cpl. Addison Bass and Ofc. Erin Leonard administered CPR and deployed Narcan to a nonresponsive individual. Their quick actions and decision making resulted in a life-saving effort.

Ofc. Erin Leonard, Ofc. Luis Salas, Chief Stephen Merrifield, Sgt. Jose Souto and Cpl. Addison Bass

Hurricane Relief Drive

The Canton Police Department announces its commitment to supporting the hurricane relief efforts to those affected by the recent hurricanes in Central America. CPD has partnered with United Pentecostal Church to provide disaster victims with needed goods during the long rebuilding and recovery process after the devastation caused by the hurricanes.

Just two weeks after Hurricane Eta brought widespread flooding and forced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes, Central America was battered by a second hurricane, leaving a level of destruction in its wake that rivals the worst natural disasters in the region’s history. The extraordinary double blow comes on top of the COVID-19 pandemic, which had already depleted resources and left many people unemployed in one of the poorest areas in Latin America.

The Canton Police Department will be conducting a hurricane relief drive that will take place this weekend. The supplies will be driven to Miami by members of the CPD, where they will be shipped to parts of Honduras and Nicaragua. They are asking for nonperishable foods, blankets, sheets, pillows, and toiletries.

The event will occur at the Canton Police Department (151 Elizabeth Street, Canton, GA) Saturday, November 21, 2020, from 9 AM to 6 PM and Sunday, November 22, 2020, from noon till 6 PM.

Promotional Video:

Canton Police Welcomes New Officer

On Friday, October 16th, 2020, Canton's Chief of Police, Stephen Merrifield, introduced its newest Police Officer, Justin Green, to the agency during a badge pinning ceremony. Officer Green brings 11 years of experience with him to the department.

Chief S. Merrifield and Officer Justin Green

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 on Wednesday, October 14, 2020. We congratulate Officer Green and welcome him to the CPD family.

Chief Stephen Merrifield stated, "We are very excited about welcoming Officer Green and his family to the City of Canton Family.  He brings a great deal of law enforcement experience, and we look forward to the contributions he will make to the citizens we serve."

Canton Police Welcomes New Officer

Thursday, October 8, 2020, Canton's Chief of Police, Stephen Merrifield, introduced its newest Police Officer, Ben Porter, to the agency. Officer Porter brings three years of experience with him to the department.

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, this afternoon. We congratulate Officer Porter and welcome him to the CPD family.

Chief Stephen Merrifield stated, "We are very proud to have Officer Porter join the Canton Police Department family. He shares our "servant attitude" core belief, and I look forward to the positive impact he will make on the community we humbly serve and protect." 

Capt. J. Tucker, Deputy Chief W. Turner, Judge Roach, Ofc. Porter, Chief Stephen Merrifield, Capt. Baldwin, Lt. J. Lumus.

Canton Police Welcomes New Officer

On Wednesday, October 23, 2020, Canton's Chief of Police, Stephen Merrifield, introduced its newest Police Officer, Courtney Rogers, to the agency. She 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, this morning. We congratulate Officer Rogers and welcome her to the CPD family.

Chief Stephen Merrifield stated "We are very proud to have Officer Rogers join the Canton Police Department family. She shares our "servant attitude" core belief and I look forward to the positive impact she will make on the community we humbly serve and protect".

Ofc. Courtney Rogers & Judge Thomas A. Roach Jr.

Capt. Wendell Turner, Ofc Rogers, Chief Stephen Merrifield & Capt. Jeff Tucker

Promotional Ceremonies

The Canton Police Department has some new leadership among its ranks as two officers took the next step in their careers during recent promotional ceremonies. 

Corporal Taylor Lilley was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, and Officer Mary Lewis achieved the rank of Corporal. Each of these employees recently participated in a promotional assessment to include a written examination and a panel interview process. 

Chief Stephen Merrifield conducted the ceremonies and presented the Officers with their Attention to Orders. He stated, "It is very rewarding to see these two officers moving into leadership roles in our department, and I congratulate both of them for their career accomplishments. I look forward to the contributions they will make as they lead our officers in a servant attitude, to provide the professional police services our citizens deserve."

Chief Stephen Merrifield and Cpl. Mary Lewis

Sgt. Taylor Lilley

Pedestrian Killed Crossing Street

Press Release Update: Wednesday, 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. 

Aggravated Assault Arrest

On June 10, at 9:55 AM, Canton Officers responded to Wells Fargo Bank located at 140 Prominence Point Pkwy to a report of a disorderly customer at the drive-thru armed with a handgun making threats. Witnesses stated a male threw a pneumatic tube canister at the teller window, yelled obscenities, made threats of violence, and produced a handgun before leaving the scene in his vehicle.

With the help of surveillance footage and witnesses, officers were able to identify the individual as Michael Roberts, 43 years old from Canton, Georgia.  A warrant was secured for the arrest of Mr. Roberts.  

Later that evening, the Paulding County Sheriff's Office arrested Mr. Roberts at a relative's home.  He was transported to the Cherokee Adult Detention Center and charged with Aggravated Assault, Terroristic Threats and Criminal Damage to Property.

Canton Police Chief Stephen Merrifield said, “I would like to thank all of the Canton P.D. Officers involved in this case for their hard work in getting this armed and dangerous person in custody. I would also like to thank the Paulding County Sheriff's Department for their assistance in locating and arresting this suspect”.

Canton Police Announce Promotion

On Tuesday, May 26, 2020, Canton Police Chief, Stephen Merrifield announced the promotion of Sergeant Jesse Ray to the position of Lieutenant in the Support Bureau.

Lieutenant Jesse Ray

Lieutenant Ray has served eight years with the Canton Police Department and brings more than 13 years of experience in law enforcement to his new position. Ray previously served as Sergeant to the Criminal Investigations Division, where he obtained his Georgia P.O.S.T Supervision and Management certificates and completed an FBI LEEDA training in Supervision and Command Leadership. Ray has obtained his Georgia P.O.S.T Intermediate and Advanced Supervision Certificates. Additionally, he has worked as a narcotics agent with the Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad. Ray is currently enrolled at Reinhardt University and is in the process of completing his Master's degree in Public Administration.

Chief Stephen Merrifield said, "I am excited to see Lieutenant Ray take this next step in his promising career and look forward to the contributions he will bring to our department."

Canton Police Arrest Florida Fraud Suspect

On Wednesday, May 20th, 2020, Canton Police were notified that a Cherokee County Sheriff’s Deputy was on the scene of a private property accident on the 100 block of Cessna Drive in Canton. The deputy had been waved down by an occupant involved in the accident that occurred in Canton Police's jurisdiction.  Canton Officers responded to the scene to investigate the accident. Prior to the officer's arrival, one of the individuals involved was identified as Sherrod Wright. During the conversation with the drivers, while the deputy was waiting for CPD officers, Sherrod Wright walked into the residence where he was staying to get his driver's license but did not return. A female relative walked out of the residence and brought an identification card to the Deputy Sheriff on the scene with the name Sherrod Wright. Upon conducting a warrant check, it was determined Mr. Wright had approximately ten warrants out of the State of Florida for various fraud-related offenses. Canton Officers attempted to make contact with Mr. Wright at the residence, but he refused to speak with them.

Due to the now known fact that Sherrod Wright had multiple warrants for his arrest out of the State of Florida in the Palm Beach area, Canton Detectives coordinated communication with Detectives in Palm Beach and confirmed the warrants were valid and established that the State of Florida wanted Sherrod Wright to be extradited to Florida on the charges.

Canton Police obtained a search warrant for the home of where Mr. Wright was still located. The Canton Police Department and the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office collaborated to execute the search warrant at the residence.  Mr. Wright was subsequently found hiding in the attic and arrested without incident. Another resident, Janette St Julien was charged with Harboring a Fugitive and Obstruction of a Law Enforcement.

Sherrod Wright
Alpharetta, GA
Male, 35 yrs. old

Janette St Julien
Canton GA
Female, 70 yrs old

Canton Police Welcomes New Officer

Today Canton's Chief of Police, Stephen Merrifield, introduced its newest Police Officer, Kyle Womack, 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, this morning in a private ceremony, due to current conditions. He comes with previous experience as a certified officer from Bartow County Sheriff's Office. We congratulate Officer Womack and welcome him to the CPD family.

Canton Officer Rescues Teens From River

Canton Officer Rescues Teens From River

Video Press Release

Incident Information:

Where: Etowah River Park (canoe ramp) 600 Brown Industrial Pkwy, Canton, GA 30114
When: Tuesday, April 21, 2020, at approximately 6:30 pm.

Canton Police Names Support Bureau Commander

Canton Police Chief, Stephen Merrifield announced the promotion of Lieutenant Matt Baldwin to the position of Police Captain, Support Bureau Commander.

 Captain Baldwin has twenty-three (23) years of law enforcement experience with his last four (4) years serving as the Assistant Support Bureau Commander. Captain Baldwin had also served in a variety of assignments, giving him a well-rounded level of knowledge as a patrol officer, Uniform Patrol Division shift supervisor, CMANS agent, detective, and Criminal Investigations Supervisor.

 In addition to his vast experience, Captain Baldwin possesses all the education, training, and P.O.S.T certifications pertinent to the position of Police Captain such as a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from Georgia Southern University, GA P.O.S.T. Intermediate Certification, GA P.O.S.T. Advanced Certification, GA P.O.S.T. Supervisory Certification, GA P.O.S.T. Managerial Certification, and F.B.I Leadership Trilogy Graduate.

 Chief Merrifield stated, "Captain Baldwin has lived in Cherokee County all of his life and served the citizens of Canton for twenty-three years as a member of the Canton Police Department. I congratulate him on this great career accomplishment and look forward to working with him to continue providing professional law enforcement services to our community."

City of Canton Announces Assistant City Manager, Staff Promotions

 The City of Canton announced recent staff promotions including the creation of a new assistant city manager position this week. Mr. Nathan Ingram will transition from the Chief Financial Officer for the City of Canton to the new Assistant City Manager position effective February 26. The new assistant city manager position will oversee the operational components of the City of Canton, including finance, human resources, technology, municipal court operations, and special projects. Ms. Melissa Forrester received a promotion from Accounting Services Manager to Finance Director.

The City of Canton operates an annual budget of $53 million. Additionally, in the Canton Police Department, Captain Wendell Turner received a promotion to Deputy Chief of Police following the promotion of Stephen Merrifield from that position to Chief of Police in January.

“We have a fantastic team at the City of Canton, and it is always an honor to promote from within when there are such highly skilled individuals in our organization,” stated City Manager Billy Peppers. “The Mayor and Council have been supportive of our organizational changes and we certainly look forward to continuing to serve our community in an

efficient and effective manner.”

Mr. Nathan Ingram

Assistant City Manager Nathan Ingram

Nathan Ingram has served as the Chief Financial Officer for the City of Canton for the past 8 years. He joined the team following a decade of service as an auditor for a private CPA firm, which included extensive auditing work of local government finances. Mr. Ingram graduated from North Georgia College and holds a license as a certified public accountant.

Finance Director Melissa Forrester

Ms. Melissa Forrester

Melissa Forrester joined the City of Canton over 11 years ago, serving in the positions of accountant, budget analyst and most recently as accounting services manager. She holds a degree in accounting from Kennesaw State University and a master’s in business administration from Reinhardt University. Ms. Forrester also holds a license as a certified public accountant.

Deputy Chief Wendell Turner

Deputy Chief Wendell Turner

Deputy Chief of Police Wendell Turner has over 27 years of law enforcement experience to include almost six years as the Director of Public Safety for the City of Statesboro, where he managed Police, Fire, and 911. Turner joined the Canton Police Department four years ago as a Captain over the Support Services Bureau. He has a Bachelor's degree from Georgia Southern University and a Master's in Public Safety Administration from Columbus State. He is also a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy.

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Press inquiries to City of Canton Billy Peppers, City Manager billy.peppers@cantonga.gov 770-704-1500

Canton Police Announce Promotion

Chief Merrifield announced the promotion of Wendell Turner to the position of Deputy Chief.   Turner previously held the position of Captain over the Support Bureau and has been with the department for the past four years.

"I am extremely fortunate to have Deputy Chief Turner assist me in managing this great department," Chief Merrifield said. "I look forward to working with him to keep the Canton Police Department moving forward and providing professional and exemplary  police services to our citizens."

Turner, a twenty (27) 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 has been an adjunct instructor for Ogeechee Technical College and the Southeast Georgia Regional Police Academy. He has also taught upper-level Justice Studies classes at Georgia Southern University as a part-time faculty member.


Wendell Turner has over 3,400 hours of Advanced Law Enforcement training to his credit and also holds several current and past professional memberships and board appointments.


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).

Canton Names Stephen Merrifield As Police Chief

Stephen L. Merrifield, Chief of Police

City Manager Billy Peppers has officially named Interim Police Chief Stephen Merrifield as the new City of Canton’s Chief of Police. 

“The Canton Police Department is a shining star for public safety, integrity, and honor in our community and region,” Peppers said.  “The work that each member does daily to work with the community, engage with our citizens, protect our businesses, and maintain law and order is exemplary and should be a model to every other law enforcement agency in Georgia.  I am proud to work with them and look forward to Chief Merrifield’s dedication to our purpose of public service with a heart of community".  Mayor Bill Grant added, "We are honored to have Chief Merrifield leading our team, and we look forward to his continued great work".

Merrifield previously had served as the Deputy Chief at the department for the past five years and has been the interim police chief since September 7 of last year, when former Police Chief Mark J. Mitchell accepted a position as Chief of Staff with the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice.

Chief Merrifield grew up in Forest Park Georgia and graduated from Forest Park High School. He served four (4) years as a United States Army Ranger in Savannah Georgia before beginning his law enforcement career with the Cobb County Police Department in 1984.  He began as an officer and worked in a variety of assignments such as a patrol officer, a Field Training Officer, S.W.A.T. Team member and a member of the department's D.U.I. Task Force. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1989 and served as a Shift Supervisor, D.U.I. Task Force Sergeant and eventually headed up the department's first full-time Tactical Team. In 1998, Steve Merrifield was promoted to Lieutenant and in addition to his assignments as a Shift Commander, S.W.A.T. Team Commander, Criminal Investigations Unit Commander and Park Ranger Commander; he also created the department's first Gang Unit (CAGE) and later the department's First Street Crime Unit (VIPER).

In 2009, Merrifield was promoted to Captain and served in a variety of assignments to include Precinct Commander and Commander of the Internal Affairs Unit.  He was promoted to Major in 2013 and served as the adjutant to the Deputy Chief over Precinct Operations until 2015.

Chief Merrifield graduated Summa Cum Laude from Kennesaw State University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management in 2005.  He holds a master’s degree in Public Safety Administration from Columbus State University. He is also a graduate of the 241st session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

The city will hold a public reception for Chief Merrifield beginning at 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2020, in the City Hall Auditorium just prior to the City Council Work Session as an opportunity for the public to formally meet Chief Merrifield, his family and congratulate him on this next season of his career.

Suspect Flees in Stolen Vehicle

On Thursday, January 9, 2020, at approximately 5:00 p.m. Canton Officers responded to a stolen vehicle from Taco Mac located at 1810 Cumming Hwy.  The female victim was an employee of the restaurant who stated a customer had taken her keys from a back area of the restaurant and was attempting to flee the scene. The victim located the suspect in the parking lot and attempted to open the vehicle's door as the suspect drove off forcing her to the ground. She was able to track the vehicle which led the Cherokee Sheriff's Department to its location on I-575 southbound near exit 14 where they apprehended the suspect.  

The suspect was identified as Latoshia Reanca Williams, 29 yrs. old of Alpharetta.  Williams was charged with Theft by Taking a Vehicle and Driving Under the Influence with other charges pending.  The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office will have additional charges related to the incident.

Chief Merrifield added "I would like to thank the Cherokee County Sherriff’s Office for their assistance with this incident.  This is a great example of agencies working together with the support of Cherokee 911".