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.