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”.