Canton Police Department Investigating Death of a Female Toddler

Update: 12/16/2022 at 5:23 PM

This evening, Canton Detectives secured an additional felony warrant for Phillissa Diallo, in connection with the death of the female toddler. Diallo is being also charged with the following:

O.C.G.A. 16-5-1 (d) Murder 2nd Degree (1 count) (Felony).

This is still an active investigation and more details will be provided when available. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Canton Police Department at (770) 720-4883.

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Original Press Release: 12/16/2022 at 3:38 PM

Canton Police Department Investigating Death of a Female Toddler.

On Wednesday, December 14, 2022, around 4:10 PM, officers initially responded to the Canton Police Department for a walk-in report, where they received information of a deceased toddler being located inside a residence. Officers then responded to 3124 Hearthstone Landing Drive, where they located the body of a deceased female toddler in the residence. The body will be turned over to the GBI Crime Lab to determine the cause of death and identification confirmation.

Canton detectives secured two warrants for Phillissa Diallo (40 years of age), in connection with this incident. Ms. Diallo is being charged with one count of Concealing the Death of Another Person (O.C.G.A. 16-10-31) and one count of Cruelty to Children 2^nd Degree (O.C.G.A. 16-5-70). She is being held at the Cherokee County Detention Center.

Canton Detectives are actively working this investigation. Further details will be provided as the investigation progresses and will be made available. We ask anyone with information to please contact the Canton Police Department at (770) 720-4883.

Canton PD Addressing Community Concerns

The Canton Police Department is addressing community concerns after three deceased bodies were located over the span of the last 5 months, in Canton, Georgia.

On June 21, 2022, Officers recovered the body of 42-year-old, William Watkins near Reformation Parkway and Waleska Street, in the wood line. The GBI Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the case a homicide. On July 8, 2022, Canton Detectives secured a felony murder warrant for the arrest of Jacob Huckabay, in connection with the death of William Watkins. Huckabay is being held in custody and awaiting trial.

On July 16, 2022, Officers recovered the body of Pedro Hernandez-Santiago upstream, in the Etowah River, near Brown Street, North of Waleska Street. An autopsy was performed by the GBI Crime Lab. Upon completion of the autopsy, the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the cause of death to be drowning with the manner of death being accidental. The toxicology report detailed that methamphetamine was present.  There have been no investigative details to show foul play was involved, as the autopsy detailed the absence of trauma to the body.

As reported yesterday, November 17, 2022, human skeletal remains were recovered near Reformation Parkway and Waleska Street, in overgrown vegetation being cleared by the property owner. The investigation is in its early stages, and there are minimal details to provide at this time. The human skeletal remains will be turned over to the GBI Crime Lab for further examination and possible identification.

The Canton PD can confirm the Hernandez-Santiago case is not related to other cases mentioned above. Regarding the case involving the human skeletal remains recovered yesterday, Detectives are actively investigating to determine if there are any connections to the William Watkins homicide case. Further details will be provided as the investigation progresses and will be made available.

The Canton Police Department would like to emphasize there is no active threat to the public. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Canton Police Department at 770-720-4883.

Canton PD Locate Human Remains Near River

Press Release Update: Friday, December 23, 2022, at 12:23 P.M.

The human remains located in the area of Reformation Parkway and Waleska Street have been identified as:

John Waller
62-year-old of Canton, Georgia

An examination of the remains was performed by the GBI Medical Examiner's Office which provided identification; however, they are still working to determine the cause and manner of death. No further details are being released at this time due to the case remaining active and ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Canton Police department at (770) 720-4883.
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Original Press Release: November 17, 2022, at 4:03 P.M.
On Thursday, November 17, 2022, Officers responded to Reformation Parkway, near the Waleska Street underpass due to human remains being located in that area. The remains will be turned over to the GBI Crime Lab to be examined.

This incident is actively under investigation. Additional information will be made available as the investigation progresses and the remains are positively identified. 

We ask anyone with information to please contact the Canton Police Department at (770) 720-4883.

Canton PD Receives Reports of Candy Tampering

 The Canton Police Department has now received two separate reports of “candy tampering,” where sewing needles have been located.

On Wednesday, November 2, 2022, our agency contacted and urged two parents to file police reports after learning of two incidents of candy tampering from a social media post. The post described an incident where a sewing needle was located inside a ‘Reese’s Take 5” candy bar. The social media post also contained information regarding another parent who discovered a sewing needle within their child’s candy bag. After receiving the reports, we were able to determine both incidents occurred in the Great Sky neighborhood in Canton, Georgia.

We have not received any other reports of candy tampering at this time, but we caution parents to check their children’s candy thoroughly.

No serious injuries have been reported. This is an ongoing investigation, and we urge anyone with information to contact the Canton Police Department at 770-720-4883.

Pedestrian Struck by Vehicle in Canton

The Canton Police Department is currently investigating an accident where a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle. The accident occurred on October 10, 2022, at approximately 9:30 PM, on Ball Ground Highway at Riverpoint Parkway. 

Officers made contact with the pedestrian, who was conscious and alert on the scene but was transported by Cherokee County EMS and is receiving medical care. 

The driver of the vehicle did not sustain injuries and damage to the vehicle was minor.

This is an active investigation and further information will be provided when available.

Canton Employees Receive Canton Moose Lodge Awards

The Canton Moose Lodge held its annual public safety appreciation dinner Monday, October 3, 2022. Three employees of the Canton Police department were honored with the following awards.

Administrative Assistant Gabriela Gonzalez received the Canton Police Department Employee of the Year award.

Corporal Dennis Pishock also received the Uniform Patrol Supervisor of the Year award.

Lastly, Sergeant Jesse Hamilton received the Criminal Investigations Supervisor of the Year award.

"I would like to congratulate Ms. Gonzalez, Cpl. Pishock and Sgt. Hamilton on receiving their distinguished awards. They work tirelessly in their service to our community, making them overly deserving. I would also like to thank the Canton Moose Lodge for their great support of Public Safety personnel in Cherokee and Pickens County." Chief Stephen Merrifield.

Canton Officers Receive Rotary Club Public Safety Awards

 Rotary Club Public Safety Awards 2022

The Rotary Club of Canton held its fifth annual Public Safety Appreciation Luncheon on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, to honor the best in the community.

The luncheon was held at the Bluff's Conference Center, where public safety officers and partners from within Cherokee County were awarded for their outstanding contributions to their professions.

Officer Carlos Henao of the Canton Police Department was honored with the Public Safety Employee of the Year award. Ofc. Henao has served the citizens of Canton since 2019 and was joined at the luncheon by his wife, and children.

Sergeant Tiffanie Cromer of the Canton Police Department was also honored with the Public Safety Employee of the Year award. Sgt. Cromer has served the citizens of Canton since 2015. She was joined at the luncheon by her husband and mother.

"I would like to congratulate Sergeant Cromer and Officer Henao on this prestigious award and I thank them both for their excellent service to our community" Chief Stephen Merrifield.

Holly Springs Man Arrested on Charges of Public Indecency

On August 24, 2022, Donald Harris, 48, of Holly Springs, was arrested on public indecency charges and transported to the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center. 

Arrest warrants were taken after two separate incidents occurred. The first incident occurred on July 28, 2022, when a man reportedly exposed himself to a juvenile male victim while shopping at Kohls (2034 Cumming Hwy). The second incident occurred on August 23, 2022, when a female victim reported a man exposing himself to her while shopping at Hobby Lobby (2449 Cumming Hwy). Canton Police Detectives were able to identify the male through surveillance cameras from within the businesses.

Harris was charged with two (2) counts of public indecency O.C.G.A. 16-6-8. 

We would like to thank the Holly Springs Police Department for their assistance in the arrest. These cases are still active and under investigation.  Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Canton Police Department at (770) 720-4883.

Person Shot on Liberty Blvd

***Update at 6 P.M.***

This afternoon at 1:08 p.m., Canton Police Officers responded to the business Shottenkirk Hyundai at 300 Liberty Blvd., Canton, GA, in reference to gunshots being fired. While responding, an officer spotted a vehicle parked on the side of Liberty Blvd., which matched the description of a vehicle involved in the original dispatch. Inside the vehicle,  an Officer found a female, who was unharmed, and a male who appeared to have a gunshot wound to his leg. The Officer performed life saving techniques on the male to include applying a tourniquet to the patient's leg. 

Initial investigation has revealed the injured male had been in an argument with another male at the original dispatch location, when gunshots were fired. The injured male has been identified as Uriah Tyrek James, age 24, of Douglasville, GA,and is currently conscious and alert while being treated at a local hospital. The other male involved has been identified as Kevon Phillip Duffus, age 30 of Covington, GA, and is currently at the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Detention center and charged with two counts of Aggravated Assault. The involved parties are  not employees or customers of Shottenkirk Hyundai and the nature of the involved parties' relationship is still being researched. 

This incident is an active investigation and updates will be provided when more information is available. Further inquiries should be directed to Sergeant Mary Turner at mary.turner@cantonga.gov. 

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Canton Police responded to a person shot in a vehicle, on Liberty Blvd at 1:08 P.M. this afternoon. The person shot has been transported to a medical facility with his condition unknown at this time. 

A person of interest has been detained and there is no active threat to the public as the incident has been contained. An investigation has just begun and is on going. We will provide an update when more information is available. 

Agency Assist Officer-Involved Shooting

 Officers are currently on the scene of an officer-involved shooting, involving the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office. The incident occurred at Red Lobster, on Riverstone Parkway. There is no active threat to the public as the incident has been contained. 

For media inquiries, please reach out to the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office and the GBI-PIO for further details. A designated media staging area will be in the Wells Fargo parking lot. 

Canton Officers Receive Meritorious Service Award

On Thursday, July 21, 2022, Officer M. Shaw and Detective T. Cruz received the department's Meritorious Service Award for their outstanding investigative performance and criminal apprehension after conducting a routine traffic stop. 

On Wednesday, June 22, 2022, at approximately 10:24 a.m., Officer M. Shaw with Canton Police Department conducted a traffic stop, which resulted in the arrest of a juvenile female for human trafficking, kidnapping, and multiple other charges. 

Officer M. Shaw conducted the traffic stop on North Street near Railroad Street in Canton, Georgia, after observing the driver holding her cellphone while operating the vehicle. He was also able to determine the vehicle involved was stolen out of North Carolina. During a search of the vehicle, 13 THC vape cartridges, 3 vape pens, a THC Nerds Rope, and a large amount of lingerie were located.

 Officer M. Shaw requested Detective T. Cruz to the scene, where after further investigation, they determined the female passenger was a 13-year-old juvenile, who was a victim of human trafficking and kidnapping. 

The victim was reunited with her family. 

For further information on this incident, you can review the initial press release on our Canton Police Newsroom Blog: http://cantonpolicega.blogspot.com/

Canton Police Names Uniform Patrol Bureau Commander

Canton Police Chief, Stephen Merrifield announced the promotion of Lieutenant John Lummus to the position of Police Captain, Uniform Patrol Bureau Commander.

Captain Lummus has twenty-five (25) years of law enforcement experience with his last year serving as Executive Lieutenant to the Office of the Chief of Police. He also served as the Assistant Uniform Patrol Bureau Commander, Office of Professional Standards Sergeant, and Uniform Patrol Sergeant, giving him a well-rounded level of knowledge needed for this position.

In addition to his vast experience, Captain Lummus possesses all the education, training, and P.O.S.T certifications pertinent to the position of Police Captain such as GA P.O.S.T. Intermediate Certification, GA P.O.S.T.Advanced Certification, and F.B.I Leadership Trilogy Graduate.

Chief Merrifield stated, "Captain Lummus has dedicated twenty-five years of his life, serving and protecting the citizens of this great community. He is well respected by every member of this department, and we are blessed to have him in a leadership position. I congratulate Captin Lummus for his great accomplishment in his long and distinguished career."

Canton Police Department Press Release: July 18, 2022.

On Saturday, July 16, 2022, at 3:59 P.M., Officers responded to a deceased subject located in the Etowah River, just North of the Waleska Street bridge. Officers and Detectives, along with the assistance of Cherokee Fire and Rescue, recovered the adult male's body from the river. The deceased is only being described as an adult male at this time until positive identification is obtained and notification of next of kin is made. The manner and cause of death will be determined by the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office.

 

This incident is an active death investigation. Additional information will be made available as the investigation progresses. We ask anyone with information to please contact the Canton Police Department at (770) 720-4883.

Detectives Secure Felony Murder Warrant

Press Release Update: Friday, July 8, 2022.

This evening, Canton Detectives secured a felony warrant for Jacob Huckabay (20-years-old old) of Canton, Georgia, in connection with the death of William Watkins. Mr. Huckabay is being held at the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office J
ail, in Alabama and is being charged with the following:

O.C.G.A 16-5-21 (a) Murder with Malice (1 count) (Felony)

This is an active investigation and more details will be given when available.

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Press Release Update: Thursday, July 7, 2022:

The deceased subject located in the area of Waleska Street and Reformation Parkway has been identified as:

William Watkins

42-year-old of Canton, Georgia

An autopsy examination performed by the GBI Medical Examiner's Officer shows the preliminary results of the death of William Watkins, to be homicide. No further details are being released at this time due to the case remaining active and ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Canton Police department at (770) 720-4883.

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On Tuesday, June 21, 2022, Officers responded to a deceased subject located in the area of Waleska Street and Reformation Parkway, in the woodline. Officers recovered the body of an adult male which appears to match the description of William Watkins, who was reported missing on June 18, 2022.

This incident is actively under investigation. Additional information will be made available as the investigation progresses and the deceased person is positively identified. We ask anyone with information to please contact the Canton Police Department at (770) 720-4883

Canton Police Welcome New Officer

The Canton Police Department held a swearing-in ceremony for Officer Jill Thompson on Wednesday, July 6, 2022.  Officer Thompson was sworn into the department by Judge Thomas A. Roach.  Family, friends, and other members of the Canton Police force were in attendance to show their support.  Ofc. Thompson was a recent graduate of the officer training course at the Jasper GPSTC Training Academy.

Traffic Stop Leads to Human trafficking Arrest, Canton, Georgia

Traffic Stop Leads to Human Trafficking Arrest, Canton, Georgia

On Wednesday, June 22, 2022, at approximately 10:24 a.m., an officer with the Canton Police Department conducted a traffic stop, which resulted in the arrest of a juvenile female for human trafficking, kidnapping, and multiple other charges.

The officer conducted the traffic stop on North Street near Railroad Street in Canton, Georgia, after observing the driver holding her cellphone while operating the vehicle. When asked for identification, the female driver could not provide a driver's license or identification, leading the Officer to obtain her name and date of birth.

The officer returned to his vehicle, where upon running the vehicle registration, learned the 2014 Dodge Caravan was reported stolen out of North Carolina. A search of the van was conducted, which led to locating 13 THC vape cartridges, 3 vape pens, a THC Nerds Rope, and a large amount of lingerie.

Suspicious of the relationship and items located in the vehicle, detectives were requested to the scene. After further investigation, detectives determined the female passenger was a 13-year-old juvenile, who was a victim of human trafficking and kidnapping. Officers and Detectives were able to determine the driver was transporting the victim to another state.

The female driver was placed under arrest. Charges listed are listed below:

-Trafficking of Persons for Labor or Sexual Servitude

-Kidnapping

-Giving False Name, Address, or Date of Birth

-Theft by Receiving Stolen Property -Stolen in Other State

-Unlawful Use of Wireless Device

- VGCSA Possession of a Controlled Substance

It was later determined the female driver was in fact a 16-year-old juvenile, after obtaining her true identity. She is currently in custody at a regional youth detention center.

The victim has been reunited with her family.

Chief Stephen Merrifield stated, “I would like to express my gratitude for the exceptional work of our Officers and Detectives in this case. By taking a routine traffic stop and conducting an exceptional investigation, members of the Canton Police Department forever changed a young girl's life for the better.” 

Canton Police Recover Deceased Subject Located Near River

Press Release Update: Thursday, July 7, 2022:

The deceased subject located in the area of Waleska Street and Reformation Parkway has been identified as:

William Watkins

42-year-old of Canton, Georgia

An autopsy examination performed by the GBI Medical Examiner's Officer shows the preliminary results of the death of William Watkins, to be homicide. No further details are being released at this time due to the case remaining active and ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Canton Police department at (770) 720-4883.

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On Tuesday, June 21, 2022, Officers responded to a deceased subject located in the area of Waleska Street and Reformation Parkway, in the woodline. Officers recovered the body of an adult male which appears to match the description of William Watkins, who was reported missing on June 18, 2022.

This incident is actively under investigation. Additional information will be made available as the investigation progresses and the deceased person is positively identified. We ask anyone with information to please contact the Canton Police Department at (770) 720-4883.

Officer Involved Shooting

The GBI is investigating an officer-involved shooting in Canton.  Officers responded to a local subdivision to investigate a suspicious person at 2:19 am on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, when the shooting occurred.  One man is deceased, and no officers were reported injured.  The incident happened on the 700 block of Midway Ave.  

As per the department's policy, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is conducting the investigation, and the Canton Police Department is fully cooperating.  Further questions or inquiries about this incident should be forwarded to the GBI-PIO.

Additional information will be made available as the investigation progresses.

Suspect Identified In Vehicle Shooting

Canton Detectives secure arrest warrants for a Cartersville man in connection with an unoccupied vehicle being shot on Thursday, May 12th.  The shooting transpired around 6:00 AM at the Georgia Department of Community Supervision (DCS) office located at 100 Medical lane.  Officers arrived at the DCS office after receiving a call of shots fired in the area.  Officers discovered two bullet holes in the rear of a Chevy Tahoe registered to the DCS. 

29-year-old Timothy Gregory was charged with Aggravated Assault (Felony), Interference with Government Property (Felony), Discharge of firearm on Property of Another (Misd), and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (Felony).

Canton Detectives utilized video from the DCS office and the assistance of the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office to secure the criminal charges.  Gregory is currently under arrest at the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center without bond in connection to a similar incident in the County.

DCS Vehicle with projectile impact location

Canton Chief of Police Stephen Merrifield said, "I would like to thank the reporting citizen and the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office for their assistance with this investigation.  We are grateful to work in a community that supports us, and we will continue to do our very best to quickly, safely, and professionally serve Canton".

Canton PD Welcomes New Officer

The Canton Police Department held a swearing-in ceremony for Officer Dalton Witt on Wednesday, May 11, 2022.  Officer Witt was sworn into the department by Judge Thomas A. Roach.  Family, friends, and other members of the Canton Police force were in attendance to show their support. 

Chief Stephen Merrifield stated, "We are excited to have Officer Witt be part of the Canton Police Department.  We believe he has the community mindset that will be an asset to our agency and the community we serve." 

City of Canton False Alarm Program

The City of Canton will go live with its new Alarm Program on Tuesday, March 29, 2022.  In an effort to reduce false alarms within the City of Canton, the City has updated its Alarm Ordinance and collaborated with PM AM Corporation to implement and administer the False Alarm Reduction Program.  The partnership will also provide educational training for our citizens.  PM AM is a national company with expertise in this area and will be responsible for our alarm permit registrations, false alarm billings, and educational material.  Per Chief Merrifield, PM AM has a record of providing excellent customer service.  As of Tuesday, March 29, 2022, a False Alarm Management System (FAMS) website has been established to assist City of Canton customers at www.FAMSpermit.com/Canton.  Prior to date please continue to contact the Canton Police Department at 770-720-4883 for questions or permit processing.

The goal of the ordinance and the City’s partnership with PM AM is to reduce the number of false alarm activations requiring a response by the Canton Police Department.  Chief Merrifield states, “This will free up police resources and reduce the fines levied on alarm customers by having a company who can reach out to the citizens of our city who may have alarm malfunctions.  With this type of partnership, the alarm owner should be notified quickly of any false alarms so they can correct the malfunction.”  With fewer false alarm activations the officers will be able to respond to more urgent calls.

For current alarm permit holders, there is nothing that will need to be done.  All account and transaction history will be uploaded to the new system.  As of Tuesday, March 29, 2022, users will be able to visit the citizen web portal and they will be able to request a user name and password.  Once the user validates their information, the system will email back their user name and password.  For those citizens who are unable to complete the new account setup, you may contact PM AM at 1-855-996-5443 and a customer service representative will be able to assist you.

Initial Alarm Registration:  The City of Canton Alarm Ordinance requires all residences and businesses to apply for an alarm permit by completing an alarm permit application available at www.FAMSpermit.com/Canton.  Alternatively, citizens can also complete the application by hand and send it to:

City of Canton False Alarm Program, P.O. Box 143517, Irving TX 75014

Failure to register your alarm will result in additional fees or fines.

For any questions related to the City of Canton Alarm Reduction Program please call PM AM at 

1-855-996-5443, Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 5:30.

Contact: Karen Murphy

Karen.murphy@cantonga.gov

Officers Encounter Man With Gun

Canton Officers responded to an unknown trouble call where they encountered a man armed with a gun, and shots were fired. The man is deceased, and no officers were reported injured. The incident occurred on Saturday, March 26, 2022, around 1:28 AM at 419 Parkbrook Way, Canton Georgia. As per the department's policy, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is conducting the investigation and the Canton Police Department is fully cooperating. Further questions or inquiries about this incident should be forwarded to the GBI-PIO.