Canton Police Make Arrests in Shoplifting Investigations

 Canton Police Officers arrest two females for charges stemming from multiple shoplifting investigations within Cherokee County.

On August 9, 2023, at 4:09 P.M., Officers responded to 120 Prominence Point Parkway, in reference to a shoplifting that occurred on August 7, 2023. It was reported two females entered the store and stole over $4,000 in cosmetic merchandise from the business. Officers were given access to the business's surveillance footage which provided them with a limited description of the female suspects and a description of a blue minivan they were observed to be traveling in.

On September 20, 2023, at 11:10 A.M., Canton Officers responded to 129 Marietta Highway, due to a shoplifting incident that just occurred. It was reported the two females entered the store and stole over $400 worth of cosmetic merchandise. A Canton Officer who responded to the scene obtained a description of the suspect's vehicle being a blue minivan and provided the information to other officers responding. While en route, a Canton Officer observed the blue minivan parked on North Street in downtown Canton. He observed the two females exiting the vehicle and detained the females for further investigation.

Canton Detectives responded to the scene and the females were taken to the Canton Police Department where interviews were conducted. A search warrant for the vehicle was obtained. While searching the vehicle numerous stolen items related to the shoplifting incidents were recovered, along with other possible stolen items from incidents that occurred within Cherokee County.

The two females are suspects in multiple shoplifting cases within Cherokee County and across the State of Georgia.

Mila Serdaru, 20 years of age, of Kennesaw, Georgia, was arrested and transported to Cobb County Sheriff’s Office Adult Detention Center, due to having active Theft by Shoplifting warrants through their agency. Canton Officers secured warrants for one (1) count of Theft by Shoplifting (Felony), one (1) count of Theft by Shoplifting (Misdemeanor), and one (1) count of Giving False Name and Date of Birth (Misdemeanor) for the female.

Evelina Velcu, 25 years of age, of Acworth, Georgia, was arrested and transported to the Cherokee County Detention Center where she was able to post bond. She is being charged with one (1) count of Theft by Shoplifting (Felony) and one (1) count of Theft by Shoplifting (Misdemeanor).

Further charges are pending at this time. This is an active investigation and further details will be provided when available. If anyone has information, please contact the Canton Police Department at (770) 720-4883

Canton Police Make Arrest in Fatal Collision

 On September 1, 2023, at approximately 6:15 A.M., Canton Officers responded to an accident with entrapment on Hickory Flat Highway at its intersection with I-575 Northbound on-ramp.

When officers arrived on the scene, they observed a Ford truck and a Jeep Wrangler near the intersection, both with extensive damage. Officers made contact with both drivers and all occupants to assess injuries. Two occupants from the Jeep Wrangler were entrapped and were extracted by Cherokee Fire and Emergency Services.

The driver of the Jeep Wrangler, Walter Gaspar, of Canton, Georgia, and the front passenger, Alejandro Ramirez both suffered serious injuries and were transported to a local hospital to receive medical treatment. The rear passenger, Juan Lorenzo, suffered life-threatening injuries and was also transported to a local hospital to receive medical treatment.

The driver of the Ford truck, Castro Xquin, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, and three other occupants were treated and released on the scene. The rear middle passenger, Sebastion Mendez, suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital to receive medical treatment.

The initial on-scene investigation revealed the Ford truck was traveling West on Hickory Flat Highway, while the Jeep Wrangler began attempting to turn left from the left turn lane onto the I-575 Northbound on ramp. It was determined through witness testimony that the driver of the Jeep Wrangler failed to yield while turning, causing the Ford truck to strike the passenger side of the Jeep Wrangler.

On September 2, 2023, Officers were notified by the Cherokee County Coroner’s Office that the rear passenger of the Jeep Wrangler, Juan Lorenzo succumbed to his injuries. Juan Lorenzo’s family has been notified.

The driver of the Jeep Wrangler, Walter Gaspar was taken into custody and is being held at the Cherokee County Detention Center where he’s being charged with the following:

Failure to Obey Traffic Control Devices (O.C.G.A. 40-6-20) (One (1) count, Misdemeanor)

Driving Without a Valid License (O.C.G.A. 40-5-20) (One (1) count, Misdemeanor)

Homicide by Vehicle -2^nd Degree (O.C.G.A. 40-6-393) (One (1) count, Misdemeanor)

This accident is still under further investigation. If anyone has any information, please contact the Canton Police Department at (770) 720-4883.

Canton Police Arrest Entering Auto Suspects

On Sunday, July 9, 2023, just after 7:50 A.M., Canton Officers responded to the report of multiple Entering Auto incidents that occurred in the Cherokee Overlook Subdivision and the Laurels of Greenwood Apartments, off Hickory Flat Highway. An additional incident was reported in the Park Village Subdivision off Fate Conn Road. Currently, twenty-six (26) Entering Auto reports have been filed.

Canton Detectives were requested to the scene and the initial investigation revealed vehicles were entered by force or due to them being left unlocked. Access to review the victim’s and neighbor’s video camera footage was provided. Detectives located blood inside several vehicles which was collected for evidence. A witness provided they observed a red in color passenger vehicle leaving the area, after awakening to the sound of a car alarm.

At approximately 2:00 P.M., Canton Officers responded to a suspicious situation at 1550 Riverstone Parkway, where they located a male and a female unconscious inside a red in color passenger vehicle that was parked in the parking lot. Through their investigation, the female and male juvenile were detained after officers observed blood inside the vehicle and numerous stolen items in plain view. While detaining the male juvenile, a stolen firearm was located in his possession. The female received medical attention on scene for a small laceration on her hand. It was determined the adult female was the stepmother of the male juvenile.

Canton Detectives responded to the scene, where they interviewed both individuals. A search warrant for the vehicle was obtained. While searching the vehicle numerous stolen items related to the Entering Auto incidents were located.

The female, Brianna Rogers, of Canton, was arrested and is being held at the Cherokee County Detention Center where she is being charged with twenty-six (26) counts of Entering Auto (Felony), and one (1) count of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (Felony).

The male juvenile is being charged with twenty-six (26) counts of Entering Auto (Felony) and one (1) count of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony). The Department of Juvenile Justice released the male juvenile to his biological mother, pending court proceedings.

This investigation is still active, and there are additional charges pending. We will provide more information when it is available. Citizens with any information regarding these investigations are urged to call 911, or the Police Department at 770-720-4883.

Canton Police Department Investigate Fatality Accident

The Canton Police Department is currently investigating a fatality accident, where a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle. The accident occurred on Marietta Highway, South of Herndon Lane, on May 2, 2023, at 9:40 P.M.

Officers arrived on the scene and made contact with all parties involved. The initial investigation revealed the pedestrian was standing in the roadway on Marietta Highway and was struck by a silver Ford truck.

The pedestrian, identified as Luis Tercero Loarca, of Canton, Georgia succumbed to his injuries on scene. Mr. Tercero Loarca’s family has been notified.

The driver, Guel Socorro, of Canton, Georgia, did not sustain injuries during the accident. Damage to the vehicle has been reported as moderate.

This is an active investigation and further information will be provided when available.

Canton Police Arrest Entering Auto Suspect

 On April 7, 2023, at approximately 9:24 A.M., Canton Police Officers arrested an individual responsible for seven entering auto incidents that occurred in the City of Canton, Georgia, alone. The individual, James Norton, of Canton, Georgia was apprehended by our officers after a brief foot pursuit and charged with multiple counts of Entering Auto and traffic-related charges.

The investigation began on March 30, 2023, after officers responded to Bill Holt Mitsubishi where it was reported three entering autos had occurred. The following day, March 31, 2023, officers responded to River Walk Court, where three entering autos were reported. Lastly, on April 3, 2023, officers responded to Publix at Laurel Canyon, where one additional entering auto was reported.

Canton Detectives began investigating and quickly identified the suspect’s motorcycle with the utilization of camera footage from Bill Holt Mitsubishi and our flock cameras located in that general area. It was also determined that the suspect was targeting vehicles possessing work tools of high value.

Through this investigation, Canton Detectives located stolen property that was connected to an additional entering auto that occurred in Ball Ground, Georgia. We would like to thank the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in the arrest of this individual.

The traffic charges stemmed from two attempted traffic stops that were performed on the motorcycle by our agency on April 6, and April 7, 2023, with the second stop leading to his arrest. The suspect is currently being held at the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center and is being charged with the following:

(7) counts of Entering Auto (Felony- O.C.G.A 16-8-18)

(2) counts of Failure to Yield to Right of Way to Emergency Vehicle (Misdemeanor- O.C.G.A 40-6-74)

(2) counts of Reckless Driving (Misdemeanor- O.C.G.A 40-6-390)

(2) counts of Improper/Erratic Lane Change (Misdemeanor- O.C.G.A 40-6-48)

(1) count of No Proof of Insurance (Misdemeanor- O.C.G.A 40-6-11)

(1) Count of Driving While License Suspended (Misdemeanor- O.C.G.A 40-5-121)

This investigation is ongoing and no further details will be released at this time. If you have any information related to these incidents, please contact the Canton Police Department at (770) 720-4883.

Canton Police Department Investigate Fatality Accident

Press Release Update April 24, 2023, at 12:20 P.M.

The Canton Police Department secured warrants for Kevin Phyfe, in connection with the fatal car accident that occurred on I-575 this past March.

Kevin Phyfe, of Marietta, Georgia was taken into custody on April 21, 2023, and was released on bond the next day. Mr. Phyfe is being charged with the following:

Reckless Driving (O.C.G.A. 40-6-390, Misdemeanor) (1 count)

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol (O.C.G.A. 40-6-391, Misdemeanor) (1 count)

Driving on the Wrong Side of the Roadway (O.C.G.A. 40-6-40, Misdemeanor) (1 count)

Serious Injury by Vehicle (O.C.G.A. 40-6-394, Felony) (1 count)

Homicide by Vehicle in the 1^st Degree (O.C.G.A. 40-6-393, Felony) (1 count)

The driver of the blue sedan, Cabrera Sylvestre was released from the hospital shortly after the accident and is recovering at home.

The accident is still under further investigation. If anyone has any information, please contact the Canton Police Department at (770) 720- 4883.

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On March 18, 2023, at approximately 5:24 P.M., Canton Police Officers were dispatched to a fatality accident on Interstate 575 Northbound just South of the Riverstone Parkway Northbound off-ramp.

When officers arrived on the scene, they observed a white Chevrolet Silverado truck on the Northbound off-ramp and a blue Honda Accord sedan in the right Northbound lane, both with extensive damage. The initial on-scene investigation revealed the white truck was traveling South on the Northbound off-ramp when it struck the blue sedan, head-on.

Officers made contact with the driver and occupant of the blue sedan. The driver Cabrera Sylvestre, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, suffered serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital to receive medical attention. The occupant, Sebastian Alonzo Domingo of Ellijay, Georgia, suffered life-threatening injuries and was pronounced deceased on the scene. The driver of the white truck, Kevin Phyfe, of Marietta, Georgia, suffered serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital to receive medical attention.

The accident is currently under investigation and an update will be provided when more information is made available.  If anyone has any information regarding this case, please contact (770) 720-4883.

Suspect Arrested in Oakside Drive Shooting

On February 22, 2023, at approximately 12:59 P.M., Canton Police Department responded to a firearm discharge call, in the area of Hickory Knoll Drive and Oakside Drive.

Officers arrived on the scene and located two male victims inside a vehicle, at the above-stated intersection. One victim, a 17-year-old male suffered a gunshot wound to his pelvis. He was transported to a local hospital and is in stable condition. The second victim, a 15-year-old male suffered lacerations to his left arm and received medical treatment at a local hospital.

Canton Police Detectives responded to the scene and after further investigation, were able to identify the shooter as 18-year-old, Jacob Garcia, from Canton, Georgia. At 7:10 P.M., Jacob Garcia was arrested at his residence located at 601 Hospital Road, without incident. Garcia was transported to the Cherokee County Detention Center, where he is currently being charged with the following:

Two (2) counts of Aggravated Assault with a deadly weapon (O.C.G.A 16-5-21 (a)(2) - Felony)
One (1) count of Possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a felony (O.C.G.A 16-11-106 - Felony).

This investigation remains active, and more details will be provided when made available. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Canton Police Department at (770) 720- 4883.

Update: Arrest Made in Canton Jewelry Store Burglary Investigation

Update: 8/25/2023

On July 12, 2023, Canton Detectives secured arrest warrants for three suspects involved in the Kay Jewelers Burglary that occurred in January of 2023. Through their investigation, Canton Detectives determined over 1 million dollars worth of merchandise was taken during the incident.

Through the work of Canton Detectives and the assistance of the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, all three suspects have been charged and arrested.

Maykel Olides Hernandez was arrested on August 15, 2023, and is being charged with one (1) count of Burglary – First Degree (Felony). Hernandez is awaiting extradition from Dallas, Texas.

Javier Guerra-Morales was arrested on August 22, 2023, and is being charged with one (1) count of Burglary – First Degree (Felony). Guerra-Morales is awaiting extradition from Hialeah, Florida

Giorge Navea was arrested on August 22, 2023, and is being charged with one (1) count of Burglary – First Degree (Felony). Navea is awaiting extradition from Miami, Florida.

Chief Merrifield stated, “I appreciate the dedicated efforts of our Criminal Investigations Division along with the assistance of fellow law enforcement organizations. Hopefully, this will serve as a warning to those considering committing crimes in our area, that we will tenaciously pursue them until justice is delivered.”

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Initial Press Release: 1/9/2023

On January 4, 2023, at 11:36 P.M., Officers responded to an alarm call at Kay Jewelers, located at 1810 Cumming Highway Suite 730. Officers arrived on the scene where they checked the exterior of the building and determined all points of entry to the business were secure. While looking through the business's windows, Officers did not observe anyone in or around the business.

On January 5, 2023, at 10:47 A.M., Officers responded back to the business after the report of a burglary. While investigating the scene, Officers determined the assailants made entry to the business by cutting a hole in the roof. An unknown amount of merchandise was taken during the incident. 

Canton Detectives are actively working this investigation. They are also working with other agencies in the metro Atlanta area, who have had similar burglaries occur in their jurisdictions. Further details will be provided when they become available. We urge anyone with information to please contact the Canton Police Department at (770)720-4883.

Canton Police Department Investigating Death of a Female Toddler

Update: 12/16/2022 at 5:23 PM

This evening, Canton Detectives secured an additional felony warrant for Phillissa Diallo, in connection with the death of the female toddler. Diallo is being also charged with the following:

O.C.G.A. 16-5-1 (d) Murder 2nd Degree (1 count) (Felony).

This is still an active investigation and more details will be provided when available. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Canton Police Department at (770) 720-4883.

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Original Press Release: 12/16/2022 at 3:38 PM

Canton Police Department Investigating Death of a Female Toddler.

On Wednesday, December 14, 2022, around 4:10 PM, officers initially responded to the Canton Police Department for a walk-in report, where they received information of a deceased toddler being located inside a residence. Officers then responded to 3124 Hearthstone Landing Drive, where they located the body of a deceased female toddler in the residence. The body will be turned over to the GBI Crime Lab to determine the cause of death and identification confirmation.

Canton detectives secured two warrants for Phillissa Diallo (40 years of age), in connection with this incident. Ms. Diallo is being charged with one count of Concealing the Death of Another Person (O.C.G.A. 16-10-31) and one count of Cruelty to Children 2^nd Degree (O.C.G.A. 16-5-70). She is being held at the Cherokee County Detention Center.

Canton Detectives are actively working this investigation. Further details will be provided as the investigation progresses and will be made available. We ask anyone with information to please contact the Canton Police Department at (770) 720-4883.

Canton PD Addressing Community Concerns

The Canton Police Department is addressing community concerns after three deceased bodies were located over the span of the last 5 months, in Canton, Georgia.

On June 21, 2022, Officers recovered the body of 42-year-old, William Watkins near Reformation Parkway and Waleska Street, in the wood line. The GBI Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the case a homicide. On July 8, 2022, Canton Detectives secured a felony murder warrant for the arrest of Jacob Huckabay, in connection with the death of William Watkins. Huckabay is being held in custody and awaiting trial.

On July 16, 2022, Officers recovered the body of Pedro Hernandez-Santiago upstream, in the Etowah River, near Brown Street, North of Waleska Street. An autopsy was performed by the GBI Crime Lab. Upon completion of the autopsy, the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the cause of death to be drowning with the manner of death being accidental. The toxicology report detailed that methamphetamine was present.  There have been no investigative details to show foul play was involved, as the autopsy detailed the absence of trauma to the body.

As reported yesterday, November 17, 2022, human skeletal remains were recovered near Reformation Parkway and Waleska Street, in overgrown vegetation being cleared by the property owner. The investigation is in its early stages, and there are minimal details to provide at this time. The human skeletal remains will be turned over to the GBI Crime Lab for further examination and possible identification.

The Canton PD can confirm the Hernandez-Santiago case is not related to other cases mentioned above. Regarding the case involving the human skeletal remains recovered yesterday, Detectives are actively investigating to determine if there are any connections to the William Watkins homicide case. Further details will be provided as the investigation progresses and will be made available.

The Canton Police Department would like to emphasize there is no active threat to the public. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Canton Police Department at 770-720-4883.

Canton PD Locate Human Remains Near River

Press Release Update: Friday, December 23, 2022, at 12:23 P.M.

The human remains located in the area of Reformation Parkway and Waleska Street have been identified as:

John Waller
62-year-old of Canton, Georgia

An examination of the remains was performed by the GBI Medical Examiner's Office which provided identification; however, they are still working to determine the cause and manner of death. 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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Original Press Release: November 17, 2022, at 4:03 P.M.
On Thursday, November 17, 2022, Officers responded to Reformation Parkway, near the Waleska Street underpass due to human remains being located in that area. The remains will be turned over to the GBI Crime Lab to be examined.

This incident is actively under investigation. Additional information will be made available as the investigation progresses and the remains are positively identified. 

We ask anyone with information to please contact the Canton Police Department at (770) 720-4883.

Canton PD Receives Reports of Candy Tampering

 The Canton Police Department has now received two separate reports of “candy tampering,” where sewing needles have been located.

On Wednesday, November 2, 2022, our agency contacted and urged two parents to file police reports after learning of two incidents of candy tampering from a social media post. The post described an incident where a sewing needle was located inside a ‘Reese’s Take 5” candy bar. The social media post also contained information regarding another parent who discovered a sewing needle within their child’s candy bag. After receiving the reports, we were able to determine both incidents occurred in the Great Sky neighborhood in Canton, Georgia.

We have not received any other reports of candy tampering at this time, but we caution parents to check their children’s candy thoroughly.

No serious injuries have been reported. This is an ongoing investigation, and we urge anyone with information to contact the Canton Police Department at 770-720-4883.

Pedestrian Struck by Vehicle in Canton

The Canton Police Department is currently investigating an accident where a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle. The accident occurred on October 10, 2022, at approximately 9:30 PM, on Ball Ground Highway at Riverpoint Parkway. 

Officers made contact with the pedestrian, who was conscious and alert on the scene but was transported by Cherokee County EMS and is receiving medical care. 

The driver of the vehicle did not sustain injuries and damage to the vehicle was minor.

This is an active investigation and further information will be provided when available.

Canton Employees Receive Canton Moose Lodge Awards

The Canton Moose Lodge held its annual public safety appreciation dinner Monday, October 3, 2022. Three employees of the Canton Police department were honored with the following awards.

Administrative Assistant Gabriela Gonzalez received the Canton Police Department Employee of the Year award.

Corporal Dennis Pishock also received the Uniform Patrol Supervisor of the Year award.

Lastly, Sergeant Jesse Hamilton received the Criminal Investigations Supervisor of the Year award.

"I would like to congratulate Ms. Gonzalez, Cpl. Pishock and Sgt. Hamilton on receiving their distinguished awards. They work tirelessly in their service to our community, making them overly deserving. I would also like to thank the Canton Moose Lodge for their great support of Public Safety personnel in Cherokee and Pickens County." Chief Stephen Merrifield.

Canton Officers Receive Rotary Club Public Safety Awards

 Rotary Club Public Safety Awards 2022

The Rotary Club of Canton held its fifth annual Public Safety Appreciation Luncheon on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, to honor the best in the community.

The luncheon was held at the Bluff's Conference Center, where public safety officers and partners from within Cherokee County were awarded for their outstanding contributions to their professions.

Officer Carlos Henao of the Canton Police Department was honored with the Public Safety Employee of the Year award. Ofc. Henao has served the citizens of Canton since 2019 and was joined at the luncheon by his wife, and children.

Sergeant Tiffanie Cromer of the Canton Police Department was also honored with the Public Safety Employee of the Year award. Sgt. Cromer has served the citizens of Canton since 2015. She was joined at the luncheon by her husband and mother.

"I would like to congratulate Sergeant Cromer and Officer Henao on this prestigious award and I thank them both for their excellent service to our community" Chief Stephen Merrifield.

Holly Springs Man Arrested on Charges of Public Indecency

On August 24, 2022, Donald Harris, 48, of Holly Springs, was arrested on public indecency charges and transported to the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center. 

Arrest warrants were taken after two separate incidents occurred. The first incident occurred on July 28, 2022, when a man reportedly exposed himself to a juvenile male victim while shopping at Kohls (2034 Cumming Hwy). The second incident occurred on August 23, 2022, when a female victim reported a man exposing himself to her while shopping at Hobby Lobby (2449 Cumming Hwy). Canton Police Detectives were able to identify the male through surveillance cameras from within the businesses.

Harris was charged with two (2) counts of public indecency O.C.G.A. 16-6-8. 

We would like to thank the Holly Springs Police Department for their assistance in the arrest. These cases are still active and under investigation.  Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Canton Police Department at (770) 720-4883.

Person Shot on Liberty Blvd

***Update at 6 P.M.***

This afternoon at 1:08 p.m., Canton Police Officers responded to the business Shottenkirk Hyundai at 300 Liberty Blvd., Canton, GA, in reference to gunshots being fired. While responding, an officer spotted a vehicle parked on the side of Liberty Blvd., which matched the description of a vehicle involved in the original dispatch. Inside the vehicle,  an Officer found a female, who was unharmed, and a male who appeared to have a gunshot wound to his leg. The Officer performed life saving techniques on the male to include applying a tourniquet to the patient's leg. 

Initial investigation has revealed the injured male had been in an argument with another male at the original dispatch location, when gunshots were fired. The injured male has been identified as Uriah Tyrek James, age 24, of Douglasville, GA,and is currently conscious and alert while being treated at a local hospital. The other male involved has been identified as Kevon Phillip Duffus, age 30 of Covington, GA, and is currently at the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Detention center and charged with two counts of Aggravated Assault. The involved parties are  not employees or customers of Shottenkirk Hyundai and the nature of the involved parties' relationship is still being researched. 

This incident is an active investigation and updates will be provided when more information is available. Further inquiries should be directed to Sergeant Mary Turner at mary.turner@cantonga.gov. 

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Canton Police responded to a person shot in a vehicle, on Liberty Blvd at 1:08 P.M. this afternoon. The person shot has been transported to a medical facility with his condition unknown at this time. 

A person of interest has been detained and there is no active threat to the public as the incident has been contained. An investigation has just begun and is on going. We will provide an update when more information is available. 

Agency Assist Officer-Involved Shooting

 Officers are currently on the scene of an officer-involved shooting, involving the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office. The incident occurred at Red Lobster, on Riverstone Parkway. There is no active threat to the public as the incident has been contained. 

For media inquiries, please reach out to the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office and the GBI-PIO for further details. A designated media staging area will be in the Wells Fargo parking lot. 

Canton Officers Receive Meritorious Service Award

On Thursday, July 21, 2022, Officer M. Shaw and Detective T. Cruz received the department's Meritorious Service Award for their outstanding investigative performance and criminal apprehension after conducting a routine traffic stop. 

On Wednesday, June 22, 2022, at approximately 10:24 a.m., Officer M. Shaw with Canton Police Department conducted a traffic stop, which resulted in the arrest of a juvenile female for human trafficking, kidnapping, and multiple other charges. 

Officer M. Shaw conducted the traffic stop on North Street near Railroad Street in Canton, Georgia, after observing the driver holding her cellphone while operating the vehicle. He was also able to determine the vehicle involved was stolen out of North Carolina. During a search of the vehicle, 13 THC vape cartridges, 3 vape pens, a THC Nerds Rope, and a large amount of lingerie were located.

 Officer M. Shaw requested Detective T. Cruz to the scene, where after further investigation, they determined the female passenger was a 13-year-old juvenile, who was a victim of human trafficking and kidnapping. 

The victim was reunited with her family. 

For further information on this incident, you can review the initial press release on our Canton Police Newsroom Blog: http://cantonpolicega.blogspot.com/

Canton Police Names Uniform Patrol Bureau Commander

Canton Police Chief, Stephen Merrifield announced the promotion of Lieutenant John Lummus to the position of Police Captain, Uniform Patrol Bureau Commander.

Captain Lummus has twenty-five (25) years of law enforcement experience with his last year serving as Executive Lieutenant to the Office of the Chief of Police. He also served as the Assistant Uniform Patrol Bureau Commander, Office of Professional Standards Sergeant, and Uniform Patrol Sergeant, giving him a well-rounded level of knowledge needed for this position.

In addition to his vast experience, Captain Lummus possesses all the education, training, and P.O.S.T certifications pertinent to the position of Police Captain such as GA P.O.S.T. Intermediate Certification, GA P.O.S.T.Advanced Certification, and F.B.I Leadership Trilogy Graduate.

Chief Merrifield stated, "Captain Lummus has dedicated twenty-five years of his life, serving and protecting the citizens of this great community. He is well respected by every member of this department, and we are blessed to have him in a leadership position. I congratulate Captin Lummus for his great accomplishment in his long and distinguished career."