FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 12, 2026
Contact: Officer Pacer Cordry, Strategic Engagement Officer/PIO
Canton Police Department: (770) 720-4883
Address: 151 Elizabeth St, Canton, GA 30114
Email: pacer.cordry@cantonga.gov

Officers interrupt burglary in progress; suspect later arrested on additional burglary charges

CANTON, GA — Canton Police officers interrupted a burglary in progress late Thursday night after responding to an audible alarm at the Dollar General located at 1883 Hickory Flat Highway.

On Thursday, May 7, 2026, at approximately 11:10 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the business for an alarm activation. Officers arrived within minutes, observed signs of forced entry, and encountered a suspect inside the store. The suspect ran back through the business as additional officers responded to establish a perimeter, clear the building, and search the surrounding area.

During the investigation, officers reviewed video footage from the business. The video shows the suspect removing cash drawers from the store and taking cigarettes and other tobacco products prior to officers arriving.

A short time later, officers located a man matching the suspect description walking along Hickory Flat Highway near the store. He was detained and transported back to the scene as the investigation continued.

The suspect was identified as Gary Dashaun Robinson (23), of Canton, Georgia. Robinson was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center.

Robinson was arrested and charged with the following offenses related to the May 7 Dollar General incident:

• Theft by Taking (O.C.G.A. § 16-8-2)

• Criminal Damage to Property 2nd Degree (O.C.G.A. § 16-7-23)

• Burglary 2nd Degree (O.C.G.A. § 16-7-1(c))

• Obstruction of a Law Enforcement Officer (O.C.G.A. § 16-10-24(a))

Additional update: Second burglary investigation (Chevron)

On Sunday, May 10, 2026, at approximately 1:18 a.m., Canton Police officers responded to Chevron at 111 Mountain Vista Blvd for an audible alarm with a glass-break activation and found signs of forced entry.

After reviewing store surveillance footage, officers and investigators identified the suspect in that incident as Gary Robinson, matching the arrestee from the May 7 Dollar General case. The video shows the suspect entering the store and taking tobacco products, alcoholic drinks, and a lighter before leaving.

Robinson was later arrested and charged with the following offenses related to the May 10 Chevron incident:

• Burglary 2nd Degree (O.C.G.A. § 16-7-1(c))

• Criminal Damage to Property 2nd Degree (O.C.G.A. § 16-7-23)

• Theft by Taking (Misdemeanor)

Chief Marty Ferrell said, "I am proud of the professionalism and teamwork displayed by everyone involved. From the initial response to the follow-up investigation, our officers and detectives worked together with excellent communication and sound judgment." 

Robinson remains in custody at the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center and is being held without bail.

Anyone with information related to either incident is encouraged to contact the Canton Police Department Criminal Investigations Division (CID) at (770) 720-4883.