Just after midnight on Sunday, September 24, 2017, Officers were dispatched to an address on John T. Pettit Street in Canton reference to the report of a Kidnapping. Upon officers’ arrival, the caller advised she went to the local Fair with her friend around 10:30 pm. but did not leave with her. The complainant told Officers that later she received a call from her friend advising that an ex-boyfriend, who was intoxicated, had taken her and she needed to call the Police. The on-scene Supervisor immediately called the victim's cell phone and obtained an open line with her but could only hear music.
The call was disconnected but the female began texting the Corporal and family members. Officers then requested a "Ping" - a GPS location of the victim's cell phone. At that time, the kidnapped female began texting her location to the police Supervisor. As additional information became available, it appeared the victim and suspect were somewhere near Chattanooga, TN close to Interstate 75 and that the two may be headed to an unknown location in Kentucky. Based on the rapidly evolving information that was coming in, it was learned the victim and suspect were at a Flying J gas station in Chattanooga. Upon contacting the station, a clerk immediately confirmed there was a Hispanic male and female occupying a grey Nissan Altima in the parking lot of the business.
At that time, members of the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) converged on the location, quickly apprehended the suspect and located the victim who is currently safe. Police Detectives will be working with Tennessee authorities to reconnect the victim back with her family in Canton and working with the Cherokee County District Attorney's Office as it relates to the extradition of the suspect back to Georgia to face his charges in this case.
Chief of Police Mark J. Mitchell stated, "We are very thankful the victim was safely located before she was seriously injured or suffered a worse fate and that the suspect was apprehended. I am very proud of the quick work of our determined Officers, appreciative of the hard work of the Cherokee Emergency Dispatch Operators and extremely grateful for the vigilant assistance by our fellow Law Enforcement professionals from the Tennessee Highway Patrol."
Chief Mitchell added, “It is extremely important to recognize the fact the victim in this case never gave up and had a strong will to survive this volatile situation which played a key role in finding her and arresting the suspect.”
Suspect:
Derbi Tito Morales-Reynoso - Age: 24 of Canton, Ga. and known to frequent Covington, Kentucky.
Charges: Kidnapping with bodily injury with additional charges pending.
Also, has been charged with Kidnapping, DUI and Driving While Suspended by the State of Tennessee.
Victim:
Hispanic Female - Age: 24 of Canton, Ga - name withheld as the case is still under investigation.
