Canton Police report a 53-year-old man died while in police custody after fleeing from a crash.
According to a press release from Canton Police, on Thursday after 8:15 p.m., officers responded to a report of a one-vehicle crash in the 1700 block of Sherrick Road Southeast.
Officers found a power pole in the road and the suspect's vehicle empty.
Witnesses directed officers to the AMVETS at 1822 Sherrick Road Southeast, where it was reported that the driver of the vehicle had fled. At that location, police say they found Frank E. Tyson from East Canton.
Tyson struggled with police, according to the press release. Shortly after placing him in handcuffs, officers recognized Tyson had become unresponsive. CPR and several doses of Narcan were administered before paramedics arrived.
Tyson was taken to Aultman Hospital, where police say he was pronounced dead at 9:18 p.m.
The Ohio Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Investigation was contacted to conduct an independent investigation of the incident. According to Canton Police, the two primary officers on the call, Beau Schoenegge and Camden Burch, assigned to the Traffic Bureau, have been placed on paid administrative leave per department policy.
“I want to extend my deepest sympathy to those close to Mr. Tyson. Based on experience, I am confident that BCI will conduct a very thorough review. Out of respect for the independence of that investigation, I am limited in my ability to comment further," said Canton Police Department Chief John Gabbard.
Canton Mayor William V. Sherer II released the following statement.
"I first want to send my sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Frank E. Tyson. My intention is for us, as the City of Canton and a police department, to be fully transparent throughout this entire process. Ohio BCI was contacted immediately following the incident and both officers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave per department policy. We will make sure we comply with all protocols to ensure BCI has what is necessary to conduct what I know will be a thorough investigation.
We will work to make sure the bodycam footage is released as soon as possible. My office has spoken with Mr. Tyson's immediate family to give them the opportunity to view the footage before it is released to the public.
Incidents like these are always difficult and challenging for a community. The City of Canton has my word that this office will be transparent with them when difficult times arise. I have full faith in the leadership of Chief John Gabbard as we navigate these waters."
