NAME OF OFFENDER:
Cano, Eric Eduardo
DATE OF OFFENCE:
09/13/2025
DETAILS OF OFFENCE:
Sexual Battery
Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]
On 09/13/2025 at approximately 2312 hours, I, Officer Warren with the Adairsville Police Department, was dispatched to the Amoco gas station located at 7194 GA-140 in Adairsville, GA, in reference to a sexual offense that had just occurred.
While en route, Bartow County E-911 updated the CAD with information that the suspect had just committed a sexual offense against the cashier. The suspect was described as a Hispanic male carrying a backpack, last seen walking over the bridge toward the Citgo gas station.
Before making contact with the victim, the subject matching the given description, was located on the westbound sidewalk of GA-140 (walking eastbound) near the intersection of Hall Station Road in Adairsville, GA. The subject, later identified as Mr. Eric Eduardo Cano, was a Hispanic male carrying a backpack and walking in the direction of the Citgo. Mr. Cano was detained by being placed in handcuffs behind his back, which were double-locked, checked for proper fit, and he was secured in the rear of a patrol vehicle.
I then proceeded to the Amoco gas station to speak with the victim. Upon arrival, I made contact with the cashier, Ms. [VICTIM #1], who stated that the Hispanic male had touched her inappropriately. When asked to explain, Ms. [VICTIM #1] advised that the male entered the store and she believed him to be homeless. Out of kindness, she offered him a fountain drink, a snack, and a cigarette. According to Ms. [VICTIM #1], the male appeared appreciative and then asked her for a hug.
Ms. [VICTIM #1] stated that the two were standing near the fountain drink/kitchen/office/register area. Not wanting to upset or offend him, and feeling sympathy for his situation, she agreed to a side hug. When she began to hug him from the side, the male placed his right hand under her dress, ran his hand up her left thigh, and touched her buttock.
Ms. [VICTIM #1] stated that a witness, Mr. [WITNESS #1], was nearby and observed the incident. She further advised that store surveillance cameras should have captured the encounter, though she was unable to retrieve the footage herself. She stated the store owner would be able to access the footage at a later time. Both Ms. [VICTIM #1] and Mr. [WITNESS #1] agreed to complete voluntary written statements. Their statements are as follows:
Ms. [VICTIM #1]: “This man came into store, he is homeless & I was giving him a free drink & he went to hug me & he ran his hand up my dress & touched my butt. I have never had this happen to me & I am very scared & upset. Thank yall for being here so quick.”
Mr. [WITNESS #1]: “Guy ran his hand up left side of cashiers dress She had gave him 2 cigarettes a snack and was going to give him a fountain drink because we thought he was homeless She was just being nice”
Mr. Cano was transported to the Amoco gas station, where Ms. [VICTIM #1] positively identified him as the suspect. He was then removed from the other Adairsville Police vehicle, still in handcuffs behind his back. The handcuffs were again checked for proper fit and confirmed to be double-locked, before placing him in the rear of my patrol car.
Mr. Cano was transported to the Bartow County Jail, where he was booked and turned over to the jail staff.
The following Warrant was issued for Mr. Cano:
WARRANT NO.: CE-: 0176287
Sexual Battery (Count#1) (Misdemeanor)
[End of Narrative]
