Canton Police Make Arrests in Shoplifting Investigations

 Canton Police Officers arrest two females for charges stemming from multiple shoplifting investigations within Cherokee County.

On August 9, 2023, at 4:09 P.M., Officers responded to 120 Prominence Point Parkway, in reference to a shoplifting that occurred on August 7, 2023. It was reported two females entered the store and stole over $4,000 in cosmetic merchandise from the business. Officers were given access to the business's surveillance footage which provided them with a limited description of the female suspects and a description of a blue minivan they were observed to be traveling in.

On September 20, 2023, at 11:10 A.M., Canton Officers responded to 129 Marietta Highway, due to a shoplifting incident that just occurred. It was reported the two females entered the store and stole over $400 worth of cosmetic merchandise. A Canton Officer who responded to the scene obtained a description of the suspect's vehicle being a blue minivan and provided the information to other officers responding. While en route, a Canton Officer observed the blue minivan parked on North Street in downtown Canton. He observed the two females exiting the vehicle and detained the females for further investigation.

Canton Detectives responded to the scene and the females were taken to the Canton Police Department where interviews were conducted. A search warrant for the vehicle was obtained. While searching the vehicle numerous stolen items related to the shoplifting incidents were recovered, along with other possible stolen items from incidents that occurred within Cherokee County.

The two females are suspects in multiple shoplifting cases within Cherokee County and across the State of Georgia.

Mila Serdaru, 20 years of age, of Kennesaw, Georgia, was arrested and transported to Cobb County Sheriff’s Office Adult Detention Center, due to having active Theft by Shoplifting warrants through their agency. Canton Officers secured warrants for one (1) count of Theft by Shoplifting (Felony), one (1) count of Theft by Shoplifting (Misdemeanor), and one (1) count of Giving False Name and Date of Birth (Misdemeanor) for the female.

Evelina Velcu, 25 years of age, of Acworth, Georgia, was arrested and transported to the Cherokee County Detention Center where she was able to post bond. She is being charged with one (1) count of Theft by Shoplifting (Felony) and one (1) count of Theft by Shoplifting (Misdemeanor).

Further charges are pending at this time. This is an active investigation and further details will be provided when available. If anyone has information, please contact the Canton Police Department at (770) 720-4883

Canton Police Make Arrest in Fatal Collision

 On September 1, 2023, at approximately 6:15 A.M., Canton Officers responded to an accident with entrapment on Hickory Flat Highway at its intersection with I-575 Northbound on-ramp.

When officers arrived on the scene, they observed a Ford truck and a Jeep Wrangler near the intersection, both with extensive damage. Officers made contact with both drivers and all occupants to assess injuries. Two occupants from the Jeep Wrangler were entrapped and were extracted by Cherokee Fire and Emergency Services.

The driver of the Jeep Wrangler, Walter Gaspar, of Canton, Georgia, and the front passenger, Alejandro Ramirez both suffered serious injuries and were transported to a local hospital to receive medical treatment. The rear passenger, Juan Lorenzo, suffered life-threatening injuries and was also transported to a local hospital to receive medical treatment.

The driver of the Ford truck, Castro Xquin, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, and three other occupants were treated and released on the scene. The rear middle passenger, Sebastion Mendez, suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital to receive medical treatment.

The initial on-scene investigation revealed the Ford truck was traveling West on Hickory Flat Highway, while the Jeep Wrangler began attempting to turn left from the left turn lane onto the I-575 Northbound on ramp. It was determined through witness testimony that the driver of the Jeep Wrangler failed to yield while turning, causing the Ford truck to strike the passenger side of the Jeep Wrangler.

On September 2, 2023, Officers were notified by the Cherokee County Coroner’s Office that the rear passenger of the Jeep Wrangler, Juan Lorenzo succumbed to his injuries. Juan Lorenzo’s family has been notified.

The driver of the Jeep Wrangler, Walter Gaspar was taken into custody and is being held at the Cherokee County Detention Center where he’s being charged with the following:

Failure to Obey Traffic Control Devices (O.C.G.A. 40-6-20) (One (1) count, Misdemeanor)

Driving Without a Valid License (O.C.G.A. 40-5-20) (One (1) count, Misdemeanor)

Homicide by Vehicle -2^nd Degree (O.C.G.A. 40-6-393) (One (1) count, Misdemeanor)

This accident is still under further investigation. If anyone has any information, please contact the Canton Police Department at (770) 720-4883.

Canton Police Arrest Entering Auto Suspects

On Sunday, July 9, 2023, just after 7:50 A.M., Canton Officers responded to the report of multiple Entering Auto incidents that occurred in the Cherokee Overlook Subdivision and the Laurels of Greenwood Apartments, off Hickory Flat Highway. An additional incident was reported in the Park Village Subdivision off Fate Conn Road. Currently, twenty-six (26) Entering Auto reports have been filed.

Canton Detectives were requested to the scene and the initial investigation revealed vehicles were entered by force or due to them being left unlocked. Access to review the victim’s and neighbor’s video camera footage was provided. Detectives located blood inside several vehicles which was collected for evidence. A witness provided they observed a red in color passenger vehicle leaving the area, after awakening to the sound of a car alarm.

At approximately 2:00 P.M., Canton Officers responded to a suspicious situation at 1550 Riverstone Parkway, where they located a male and a female unconscious inside a red in color passenger vehicle that was parked in the parking lot. Through their investigation, the female and male juvenile were detained after officers observed blood inside the vehicle and numerous stolen items in plain view. While detaining the male juvenile, a stolen firearm was located in his possession. The female received medical attention on scene for a small laceration on her hand. It was determined the adult female was the stepmother of the male juvenile.

Canton Detectives responded to the scene, where they interviewed both individuals. A search warrant for the vehicle was obtained. While searching the vehicle numerous stolen items related to the Entering Auto incidents were located.

The female, Brianna Rogers, of Canton, was arrested and is being held at the Cherokee County Detention Center where she is being charged with twenty-six (26) counts of Entering Auto (Felony), and one (1) count of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (Felony).

The male juvenile is being charged with twenty-six (26) counts of Entering Auto (Felony) and one (1) count of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony). The Department of Juvenile Justice released the male juvenile to his biological mother, pending court proceedings.

This investigation is still active, and there are additional charges pending. We will provide more information when it is available. Citizens with any information regarding these investigations are urged to call 911, or the Police Department at 770-720-4883.

Canton Police Department Investigate Fatality Accident

The Canton Police Department is currently investigating a fatality accident, where a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle. The accident occurred on Marietta Highway, South of Herndon Lane, on May 2, 2023, at 9:40 P.M.

Officers arrived on the scene and made contact with all parties involved. The initial investigation revealed the pedestrian was standing in the roadway on Marietta Highway and was struck by a silver Ford truck.

The pedestrian, identified as Luis Tercero Loarca, of Canton, Georgia succumbed to his injuries on scene. Mr. Tercero Loarca’s family has been notified.

The driver, Guel Socorro, of Canton, Georgia, did not sustain injuries during the accident. Damage to the vehicle has been reported as moderate.

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

Canton Police Arrest Entering Auto Suspect

 On April 7, 2023, at approximately 9:24 A.M., Canton Police Officers arrested an individual responsible for seven entering auto incidents that occurred in the City of Canton, Georgia, alone. The individual, James Norton, of Canton, Georgia was apprehended by our officers after a brief foot pursuit and charged with multiple counts of Entering Auto and traffic-related charges.

The investigation began on March 30, 2023, after officers responded to Bill Holt Mitsubishi where it was reported three entering autos had occurred. The following day, March 31, 2023, officers responded to River Walk Court, where three entering autos were reported. Lastly, on April 3, 2023, officers responded to Publix at Laurel Canyon, where one additional entering auto was reported.

Canton Detectives began investigating and quickly identified the suspect’s motorcycle with the utilization of camera footage from Bill Holt Mitsubishi and our flock cameras located in that general area. It was also determined that the suspect was targeting vehicles possessing work tools of high value.

Through this investigation, Canton Detectives located stolen property that was connected to an additional entering auto that occurred in Ball Ground, Georgia. We would like to thank the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in the arrest of this individual.

The traffic charges stemmed from two attempted traffic stops that were performed on the motorcycle by our agency on April 6, and April 7, 2023, with the second stop leading to his arrest. The suspect is currently being held at the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center and is being charged with the following:

(7) counts of Entering Auto (Felony- O.C.G.A 16-8-18)

(2) counts of Failure to Yield to Right of Way to Emergency Vehicle (Misdemeanor- O.C.G.A 40-6-74)

(2) counts of Reckless Driving (Misdemeanor- O.C.G.A 40-6-390)

(2) counts of Improper/Erratic Lane Change (Misdemeanor- O.C.G.A 40-6-48)

(1) count of No Proof of Insurance (Misdemeanor- O.C.G.A 40-6-11)

(1) Count of Driving While License Suspended (Misdemeanor- O.C.G.A 40-5-121)

This investigation is ongoing and no further details will be released at this time. If you have any information related to these incidents, please contact the Canton Police Department at (770) 720-4883.

Canton Police Department Investigate Fatality Accident

Press Release Update April 24, 2023, at 12:20 P.M.

The Canton Police Department secured warrants for Kevin Phyfe, in connection with the fatal car accident that occurred on I-575 this past March.

Kevin Phyfe, of Marietta, Georgia was taken into custody on April 21, 2023, and was released on bond the next day. Mr. Phyfe is being charged with the following:

Reckless Driving (O.C.G.A. 40-6-390, Misdemeanor) (1 count)

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol (O.C.G.A. 40-6-391, Misdemeanor) (1 count)

Driving on the Wrong Side of the Roadway (O.C.G.A. 40-6-40, Misdemeanor) (1 count)

Serious Injury by Vehicle (O.C.G.A. 40-6-394, Felony) (1 count)

Homicide by Vehicle in the 1^st Degree (O.C.G.A. 40-6-393, Felony) (1 count)

The driver of the blue sedan, Cabrera Sylvestre was released from the hospital shortly after the accident and is recovering at home.

The accident is still under further investigation. If anyone has any information, please contact the Canton Police Department at (770) 720- 4883.

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On March 18, 2023, at approximately 5:24 P.M., Canton Police Officers were dispatched to a fatality accident on Interstate 575 Northbound just South of the Riverstone Parkway Northbound off-ramp.

When officers arrived on the scene, they observed a white Chevrolet Silverado truck on the Northbound off-ramp and a blue Honda Accord sedan in the right Northbound lane, both with extensive damage. The initial on-scene investigation revealed the white truck was traveling South on the Northbound off-ramp when it struck the blue sedan, head-on.

Officers made contact with the driver and occupant of the blue sedan. The driver Cabrera Sylvestre, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, suffered serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital to receive medical attention. The occupant, Sebastian Alonzo Domingo of Ellijay, Georgia, suffered life-threatening injuries and was pronounced deceased on the scene. The driver of the white truck, Kevin Phyfe, of Marietta, Georgia, suffered serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital to receive medical attention.

The accident is currently under investigation and an update will be provided when more information is made available.  If anyone has any information regarding this case, please contact (770) 720-4883.

Suspect Arrested in Oakside Drive Shooting

On February 22, 2023, at approximately 12:59 P.M., Canton Police Department responded to a firearm discharge call, in the area of Hickory Knoll Drive and Oakside Drive.

Officers arrived on the scene and located two male victims inside a vehicle, at the above-stated intersection. One victim, a 17-year-old male suffered a gunshot wound to his pelvis. He was transported to a local hospital and is in stable condition. The second victim, a 15-year-old male suffered lacerations to his left arm and received medical treatment at a local hospital.

Canton Police Detectives responded to the scene and after further investigation, were able to identify the shooter as 18-year-old, Jacob Garcia, from Canton, Georgia. At 7:10 P.M., Jacob Garcia was arrested at his residence located at 601 Hospital Road, without incident. Garcia was transported to the Cherokee County Detention Center, where he is currently being charged with the following:

Two (2) counts of Aggravated Assault with a deadly weapon (O.C.G.A 16-5-21 (a)(2) - Felony)
One (1) count of Possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a felony (O.C.G.A 16-11-106 - Felony).

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

Update: Arrest Made in Canton Jewelry Store Burglary Investigation

Update: 8/25/2023

On July 12, 2023, Canton Detectives secured arrest warrants for three suspects involved in the Kay Jewelers Burglary that occurred in January of 2023. Through their investigation, Canton Detectives determined over 1 million dollars worth of merchandise was taken during the incident.

Through the work of Canton Detectives and the assistance of the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, all three suspects have been charged and arrested.

Maykel Olides Hernandez was arrested on August 15, 2023, and is being charged with one (1) count of Burglary – First Degree (Felony). Hernandez is awaiting extradition from Dallas, Texas.

Javier Guerra-Morales was arrested on August 22, 2023, and is being charged with one (1) count of Burglary – First Degree (Felony). Guerra-Morales is awaiting extradition from Hialeah, Florida

Giorge Navea was arrested on August 22, 2023, and is being charged with one (1) count of Burglary – First Degree (Felony). Navea is awaiting extradition from Miami, Florida.

Chief Merrifield stated, “I appreciate the dedicated efforts of our Criminal Investigations Division along with the assistance of fellow law enforcement organizations. Hopefully, this will serve as a warning to those considering committing crimes in our area, that we will tenaciously pursue them until justice is delivered.”

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Initial Press Release: 1/9/2023

On January 4, 2023, at 11:36 P.M., Officers responded to an alarm call at Kay Jewelers, located at 1810 Cumming Highway Suite 730. Officers arrived on the scene where they checked the exterior of the building and determined all points of entry to the business were secure. While looking through the business's windows, Officers did not observe anyone in or around the business.

On January 5, 2023, at 10:47 A.M., Officers responded back to the business after the report of a burglary. While investigating the scene, Officers determined the assailants made entry to the business by cutting a hole in the roof. An unknown amount of merchandise was taken during the incident. 

Canton Detectives are actively working this investigation. They are also working with other agencies in the metro Atlanta area, who have had similar burglaries occur in their jurisdictions. Further details will be provided when they become available. We urge anyone with information to please contact the Canton Police Department at (770)720-4883.