Man Tried To Break Into ATM At Canton Bank: Cops

CANTON, GA — An alert resident helped the Canton Police Department apprehend a man accused of trying to break into an ATM on New Year's Day. Officers with the agency were called to investigate a report of a suspicious person around 4:35 a.m. Jan. 1 at Ameris Bank at 1275 Riverstone Parkway.

A resident who called 911 from her home said she could see a man "attempting to make forcible entry into the bank ATM," Canton police said. Officers arrived at the location and saw the man, who was sporting a black jacket and yellow face mask, drop a fence post and run towards the back of the parking lot.

Cops searched the area, and found the subject hiding in the bushes behind the bank. The male, identified as 55-year-old Forrest Andrew Leach of Acworth, was charged with two counts of criminal damage to property in the second degree and one count each of possession of tools for the commission of a crime and obstruction.

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Canton police said Leach is also suspected in a burglary in which he tried to break into a self-pay kiosk at a car wash next to the bank.

“I am proud of the alert and quick work of our officers and for the partnership, we have with citizens in our community who are willing to get involved to help stop criminal activity," said Canton Police Chief Mark Mitchell. "This excellent example of law enforcement and the Community working together allowed us to apprehend the male before he got away to potentially be involved in further criminal acts. Taking this perpetrator off the streets in our city goes a long way toward improving our quality of life."

Photo: Forrest Andrew Leach. Credit: Cherokee Sheriff's Office