On Thursday, September 21, 2017, just after 1:30 pm., Canton Police Sgt. Ben Gilleland was patrolling the area of Riverstone Parkway when he observed a vehicle driving in an erratic manner. The driver of the vehicle drove through the crowded intersection at the time the light was red, sped up and recklessly turned onto the entrance ramp to I-575 Southbound nearly striking another motorist. The supervisor initiated the Patrol unit’s blue lights in an effort to catch up and stop the vehicle but the driver increased speed and exited onto exit # 19 (Cumming Highway).
Sgt. Gilleland lost sight of the vehicle but a motorist stopped and pointed that the car had entered back onto the entrance ramp to I-575 Southbound. As the Sergeant searched, he located the abandoned vehicle on the entrance ramp with the doors open and motor running as if the driver had fled the scene. The driver did flee but as he ran up a steep hill near the interstate ramp, he slipped and rolled back down the hill where Sgt. Gilleland was waiting. He immediately took the individual, Mr. Devantee Rondell Hampton, into custody.
At that time, another citizen who witnessed the event called 911 to report the driver of the reckless vehicle threw a white in color bag out of the window on I-575 Southbound near the Etowah River Bridge. Officers were able to recover the grocery bag and another bag, which contained approximately 2.5 ounces of suspected Marijuana along with a small amount of U.S. Currency. Further investigation revealed Mr. Hampton was wanted for an outstanding warrant out of Cherokee County.
Chief Mark J. Mitchell stated, “I truly appreciate the dedicated work of Sgt. Gilleland and we are extremely grateful for the assistance and support of our citizens during this incident. This is what happens when Law Enforcement and Citizens partner together to remove this type of criminal element from off the streets in our Community.”
Suspect:
Devantee Rondell Hampton age: 24 of Canton, GA.
Charges:
Felony Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana
