Canton Detectives began investigating the case after a purse snatching that occurred on Sunday, October 29, 2017 at the Publix located at 1451 Riverstone Pkwy. Detectives were able to identify the suspects based on witness descriptions of the suspects and their vehicle. Their investigation unveiled that the suspects were also committing various other crimes in surrounding jurisdictions.
On the evening of November 1, 2017, Canton Officers were dispatched to the report of another purse snatching at Walmart, located at 1550 Riverstone Pkwy. Officers arrived, and Walmart Loss Prevention directed them to a fleeing suspect, identified as Curtiss Cavender. Officers located Cavender in a nearby restaurant parking lot and took him into custody. Canton Detectives interviewed Cavender and learned the names of his accomplices, Ravin Riedinger and Gregory Cummings. Arrest warrants were issued for both suspects and they were subsequently located and arrested on November 13, 2017, after they were involved in a domestic dispute.
All three (3) suspects were charged with two (2) counts of Robbery by Sudden Snatching and one (1) count of Theft by Shoplifting. Mr. Cavender was also charged with one (1) count of Entering Auto as well as various other charges in relation to the domestic dispute. Mr. Riedinger also received a charge of Simple Battery FVA for his involvement in the domestic dispute.
Chief Mark Mitchell said, “We are very proud of our hardworking Officers and Detectives that apprehended these individuals who were preying on our citizens. This is also a very good reminder to our public for the need to always be aware of your surroundings and do all you can to safeguard yourself from becoming a victim of this type of criminal activity, especially during the holiday season.
Curtiss Blake Cavender (Canton, GA)
Age: 20 (DOB: 11/18/1996)
Robbery x2 (F)
Theft by Shoplifting (M)
Battery (M)
Criminal Attempt to Commit Misdemeanor (M)
Entering Auto (F)
Theft by Taking (M)
Gregory Tyler Cummings (Canton, GA)
Age: 26 (DOB: 02/17/1991)
Robbery X2 (F)
Theft by Shoplifting
Ravin Riedinger (Canton, GA)
Age: 21 (DOB: 06/25/1996)
Simple Battery FVA (M)
Robbery X2 (F)
Theft by Shoplifting
Safe Shopping Tips:
- Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas
- Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member
- Don’t be distracted by using electronic devices while shopping
- Avoid wearing expensive jewelry
- Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
- Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible
- Keep cash in your front pocket
- Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused
- Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place
- Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps
- Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, "con-artists" may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings
