Canton Man Arrested After Fires Set in Three City Park Restrooms
Post Date:01/06/2026 2:13 PMCANTON, GA — A Canton man has been arrested following an investigation into multiple fires set in public restrooms at two Canton city parks on January 3, 2026.
Canton Police first responded to a report of property damage at the public restrooms in Heritage Park, located at 508 Riverstone Parkway. Officers found that trash cans inside the restrooms had been set on fire, resulting in smoke damage.
Shortly afterward, officers were dispatched to Etowah River Park, located at 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, where two additional restrooms had been damaged similarly. One was located near the gravel lot, and the other was near the pavilion by the playground. In each case, trash cans inside the restrooms had been set on fire, and smoke damage was present.
The Cherokee County Fire Department responded to both incidents and confirmed that no active fires remained at either location.
All three fires occurred within approximately 30 minutes of one another.
Canton Police detectives quickly linked the incidents and identified the suspect as 42-year-old Francisco Landrau Ferrer of Canton. Security footage from park cameras helped detectives identify the individual responsible. Following their investigation, Ferrer was arrested and charged with:
Three counts of Arson in the First Degree (O.C.G.A. 16-7-60(a))
One count of Criminal Trespass – Damage (O.C.G.A. 16-7-21(a))
One count of Loitering and Prowling (O.C.G.A. 16-11-36)
The case was cleared by arrest on January 5. All three affected restrooms are city-owned. No injuries were reported.
Chief Marty Ferrell praised the work of investigators, stating, “I want to commend our detectives for their quick and thorough work on this case. This kind of reckless, destructive behavior directly threatens the safety and quality of life in our community, and we will respond swiftly and seriously. The City of Canton is a place where residents and families can feel safe in our parks and public spaces.”
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Canton Police Department.Return to full list >>
