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