Car Thieves Arrested

Three suspects have been arrested in connection to the theft of a vehicle from the Canton, Shottenkirk dealership last week.

The suspects were taken into custody on Jan. 31st by Cumming Police Department with the assistance of Forsyth Sheriff’s Office, after a vehicle pursuit. At the time of the arrests, the individuals were driving a different vehicle that was discovered to be stolen.

Further, into the investigation, additional information was exposed which led to the arresting officers uncovering the driver and passengers, possibly being involved in the recent vehicle theft in Canton, GA. The three individuals occupying the vehicle that fled from Cumming PD were discovered as 32-year-old male, Dexter Pearce, 32-year-old male Christopher Davidson, and 23-year-old female, Ruby Stevenson. All the suspects were from Alabama.

All suspects were charged with Burglary (Felony), Theft of a Motor Vehicle (Felony), Criminal Damage 2nd Degree (Felony.), and Theft by Taking (2 Counts) (Mids.). All three suspects are being held at Forsyth County Jail.

Chief of Police Stephen Merrifield stated, “We are grateful to have such vigilant and persistent neighboring departments such as the Cumming PD and Forsyth Sheriff’s Office to help with the success in safely and effectively bringing these individuals into custody".

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

Hurricane Relief Drive

The Canton Police Department announces its commitment to supporting the hurricane relief efforts to those affected by the recent hurricanes in Central America. CPD has partnered with United Pentecostal Church to provide disaster victims with needed goods during the long rebuilding and recovery process after the devastation caused by the hurricanes.

Just two weeks after Hurricane Eta brought widespread flooding and forced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes, Central America was battered by a second hurricane, leaving a level of destruction in its wake that rivals the worst natural disasters in the region’s history. The extraordinary double blow comes on top of the COVID-19 pandemic, which had already depleted resources and left many people unemployed in one of the poorest areas in Latin America.

The Canton Police Department will be conducting a hurricane relief drive that will take place this weekend. The supplies will be driven to Miami by members of the CPD, where they will be shipped to parts of Honduras and Nicaragua. They are asking for nonperishable foods, blankets, sheets, pillows, and toiletries.

The event will occur at the Canton Police Department (151 Elizabeth Street, Canton, GA) Saturday, November 21, 2020, from 9 AM to 6 PM and Sunday, November 22, 2020, from noon till 6 PM.

Promotional Video:

Canton Police Welcomes New Officer

On Friday, October 16th, 2020, Canton's Chief of Police, Stephen Merrifield, introduced its newest Police Officer, Justin Green, to the agency during a badge pinning ceremony. Officer Green brings 11 years of experience with him to the department.

Chief S. Merrifield and Officer Justin Green

He was sworn into the department, with the Oath of Office by Judge Thomas A. Roach Jr. at the Canton Public Safety and Municipal Court Complex on Wednesday, October 14, 2020. We congratulate Officer Green and welcome him to the CPD family.

Chief Stephen Merrifield stated, "We are very excited about welcoming Officer Green and his family to the City of Canton Family.  He brings a great deal of law enforcement experience, and we look forward to the contributions he will make to the citizens we serve."

Canton Police Welcomes New Officer

Thursday, October 8, 2020, Canton's Chief of Police, Stephen Merrifield, introduced its newest Police Officer, Ben Porter, to the agency. Officer Porter brings three years of experience with him to the department.

He was sworn into the department, with the Oath of Office by Judge Thomas A. Roach Jr. at the Canton Public Safety and Municipal Court Complex, this afternoon. We congratulate Officer Porter and welcome him to the CPD family.

Chief Stephen Merrifield stated, "We are very proud to have Officer Porter join the Canton Police Department family. He shares our "servant attitude" core belief, and I look forward to the positive impact he will make on the community we humbly serve and protect." 

Capt. J. Tucker, Deputy Chief W. Turner, Judge Roach, Ofc. Porter, Chief Stephen Merrifield, Capt. Baldwin, Lt. J. Lumus.