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.