Canton Police Welcomes New Officer

Canton Police held a swearing-in ceremony for it's newest Officer, Gary Pruitt. He was sworn into the department by Judge Thomas A. Roach Jr. on Wednesday, February 27, 2019, at Canton City Hall.  Family, friends and other members of the Canton Police force were in attendance to show their support. Officer Pruitt served as a Police Officer at the Summerville Police Department for a year before joining the Canton Police Department.

From left to right: Cpt. J. Tucker, Retired US Army Master Sgt. Don Pruitt, Ofc. Gary Pruitt, Chief Mark Mitchell

CPD Charges Entering Auto Suspects

Just after 4:15 am., on Thursday, January 24, 2019, Officers responded to the report of multiple entering auto incidents on Oconee Way.  While in-route, units were advised a suspect fired several shots while driving away at a homeowner who chased the perpetrator with a baseball bat and then struck the suspect vehicle as it fled the scene.  Upon arrival, Officers discovered a bullet hole in the victim's garage, holes in a neighboring residence/vehicle and shell casings in the street near the caller’s residence.

Criminal Investigation Detectives have worked many hours securing evidence to include surveillance videos, other records and intelligence information since the crimes occurred, which led to the identity of one (1) of the suspects involved in the incidents.  During the early evening hours of Thursday, January 31, 2019, Officers from the Cobb County Police Department VIPER team apprehended the individual whom Detectives developed as a suspect and another person of interest in the Entering Auto cases.  Detectives immediately followed up on the arrests and have been able to positively identify both individuals as the perpetrators involved in the car break-ins and shots fired incident on January 24, 2019.   

Both suspects are also wanted in connection with similar crimes in Cobb County and other jurisdictions in the Metro Atlanta Area.

Chief of Police Mark J. Mitchell stated, “We are very grateful these individuals are in custody and a safe and successful resolution was brought to these crimes against our citizens.  Our Detective’s dedication and diligence was key to the arrests and prove we will not stop investigating crimes against our community from those who come here to steal from the hard-working public we serve.”

Chief Mitchell added, “We are very appreciative for Cobb County Police Department’s assistance during this investigation.” 

Suspect Information and Charges
D-Amonte’ Brown age: 18 of Austell, Ga.
Kardarious Odoms age: 18 of Powder Springs, Ga.

Both individuals are currently being held at the Cobb County Sheriff's Office Adult Detention Center and charged and with the following.   However, additional Entering Auto charges will be filed early next week.
Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon – 1ct.
Possession of a Firearm During Commission of a Felony – 1ct.
Entering Auto – 1ct.   

CPD investigates Entering Auto incidents

2/1/2019:
Please see updated press release

1/24/2019:
On Thursday, January 24, 2019, just after 4:15 AM., our Officers responded to the report of multiple Entering Auto incidents on Oconee Way.  While en-route, units were advised a suspect fired several shots while driving away at a homeowner who chased the perpetrator with a baseball bat and then struck the suspect vehicle as it fled the scene.  Upon arrival, Officers discovered a bullet hole in the victim's garage, holes in nearby vehicles and shell casings in the street near the caller’s residence.  Further investigation revealed all vehicles entered were unlocked at the time of entry.

The only description we have on the suspect at this time is the individual is described as a male who fled in a maroon sedan.  The suspect vehicle is reported to have damage to the driver side door and window area.

At this time, Officers and Detectives are canvassing the area working to collect home surveillance video and attempting to locate any witnesses to these crimes.  Citizens with any information regarding these investigations are urged to call 911, the Police Department at 770-720-4883 or Detective Kyle Smith via e-mail at kyle.smith@cantonga.gov.

This is an on-going and fluid investigation and more information will be released when available.

Officers Arrest Vandalism Suspect

At approximately 7:15 am. this morning, Officers responded to the report of damage to several windows (rocks being thrown) at the Action Church located at 271 Marietta Rd.  Upon arrival, units began their investigation and alertly located a Hispanic male hiding in some bales of straw across the street at another business.  The department has been looking for the same individual who was arrested for a trespass incident on Marietta Rd. earlier in the week and is a person of interest in other trespassing crimes to other businesses in the same area to include Action Church.

Criminal Investigation Detectives immediately responded to conduct a more in-depth inquiry and an interview of the male.  After additional evidence was obtained, the suspect has been arrested and charged with the following from today's criminal activity and property damage incidents from last week:

(2) counts of Vandalism to a Place of Worship (F)
(4) counts of Criminal Damage to Property (F)
(1) count of Criminal Trespass (M)

Suspect information:
Mateo Martinez age: 29 - all indications appear he is homeless

This is an on-going investigation and more information will be released when available.

Canton Police Recruitment Program

The Police Department is currently hiring for the position of Police Officer. The agency is actively looking for diverse men and women who aspire to join a very professional organization and possess a community mindset to serve and protect the citizens of Canton.

To further the goal of employing those candidates who are the best fit for the department, the organization will be hosting its second “Police Recruitment Program” on Wednesday, January 23, 2019, at 7:00 pm., on the third floor of the Canton Police Department located at 151 Elizabeth Street, Canton, Ga. 30114.

 We recommend those who are interested in attending this informative event complete an application (Cantonga.gov) prior to attending. Attendees will be given a presentation that covers the agency’s Mission Statement, Core Values, Nobility Statement, budget facts, a breakdown of latest new equipment, current programs, work-projects and an overview of the organization’s structure. In addition, presenters will cover a summary of the department’s hiring standards, the hiring process, and employee salary/benefits. The event will end with a question and answer session for persons in attendance.

Chief Mark J. Mitchell stated, “We are very excited to host this event because our goal is to attract the most professional, viable, diverse and community-oriented candidates that are the best fit for our organization. We are working hard to build a team that strives to connect with our citizens, protect our public, supports each other and endeavors to improve the quality of life for the community we serve. We want to be proactive in the recruitment of Officer candidates and not simply reactive by posting the position and wait for individuals to apply.”

Public Indecency Arrest

At approximately 8:00 pm. on Wednesday, January 16, 2019, the Police Department received a tip in reference to the possible identification of the male depicted in the earlier released information regarding a Public Indecency incident which occurred at the Canton Walmart (1550 Riverstone Pkwy.) on Monday, January 7, 2019.  A Canton Supervisor responded to further investigate the incident. Subsequently, a Mr. Demarcus Woods age: 22 of Canton, Ga. was taken into custody in Ball Ground and charged with one count of Public Indecency (§ 16-6-8 - Public indecency).  We would like to thank members of our community for taking the time to share our social media post which lead to identifying the suspect.

Canton Police to Hold Second Facebook Live Town Hall Meeting

Last month, we held our first FB Live Town Hall Meeting, which turned out to be a very successful and engaging event with our community.  You are officially invited to join us for our second FB Live program tomorrow evening (January 15, 2019) beginning at 7:00 pm. 
 
We will be discussing our 2018 Crime Statistics, our Annual Recruitment Plan, 2019 Goals and Objectives, giving an update on the New P.D., upcoming Community Events and answering questions sent to us by our citizens.   

Link to the FB Live social media post: ttps://www.facebook.com/CantonGeorgiaPD/photos/a.439869496075750/2140557326006950/?type=3&theater

Thank you for your partnership, trust, and support. 

Mark J. Mitchell, Chief of Police