Canton Police Department Arrests Multi-State Forgery and Theft Suspects After Pursuit Across Jurisdictions

CANTON, GA — On the evening of October 7, officers from the Canton Police Department responded to a forgery in progress at the Target located in Canton, where suspects had reportedly fled across multiple jurisdictions and states, stealing over $24,000 in merchandise using counterfeit currency.

Officers Bacon, Officer Poppell, and Lieutenant Campbell quickly arrived on scene and successfully located and detained multiple suspects dispersed throughout the shopping complex. Based on probable cause, the suspects were arrested without incident.

A subsequent search of the suspects' vehicle, as well as recovered evidence from the Target, led to the discovery of nearly $2,000 in counterfeit bills along with marijuana and drug-related paraphernalia. The stolen merchandise was recovered and returned to Target.

Store representatives advised that these individuals are believed to be responsible for a coordinated series of thefts across multiple states. Law enforcement agencies from several jurisdictions had been actively seeking to identify and apprehend the suspects, though none had been successful until now. One suspect was also found to have a full extradition warrant out of Florida.

The investigation was further supported by Canton PD’s Criminal Investigation Division, Detective Porter and Sergeant Detective Mueller, who conducted in-depth interviews and secured both search and arrest warrants. Their collaboration played a critical role in bringing the investigation to a successful conclusion.

Lieutenant Campbell commended Sergeant Rogers for her pivotal role in the preliminary investigation:

“Sgt. Rogers was instrumental in the arrest and preliminary investigation as she discovered and obtained video evidence, testimonial evidence, and linked the individuals and their car to numerous other like and similar offenses over several states. Thank you Sergeant Rogers.”

Chief Marty Ferrell praised the teamwork and professionalism demonstrated during the investigation

“This incident exemplifies the outstanding work our officers and professional staff deliver each and every day. The Canton Police Department is fortunate to have such a dedicated and skilled team committed to protecting our community. I am proud to work alongside these professionals and grateful for their continued service. Let it be clear, anyone who commits a crime in the City of Canton or anywhere within Cherokee County, whether on this scale or to any degree, will be held accountable for their actions. Regardless of how that accountability is delivered; through arrest, citation, or education, our county will not tolerate criminal intrusion of any kind. Like any law enforcement agency, our mission is to serve and protect. We are fully committed to that responsibility and will go to whatever lengths are necessary to ensure the safety and security of our residents. Criminal activity has no safe harbor here.”

Thanks to the coordinated efforts of all involved, multiple jurisdictions will now be able to close active investigations connected to these suspects. The Canton Police Department extends its appreciation to all assisting agencies and reaffirms its commitment to regional cooperation and community safety.

Media Contact:
Sergeant Mary Reynolds
Canton Police Department
770-689-7815

Mary.reynolds@cantonga.gov          

www.cantonga.gov