Canton Police Release Body Camera Footage of In-Custody Death at AMVETS Location

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
25/04/2024 21h29

In a move to promote transparency, the Canton Police Department has released body camera footage of an incident that resulted in the death of a man at an AMVETS location in Ohio. The footage, recorded on April 18, raises numerous unanswered questions surrounding the event.

At approximately 8:27 p.m., Canton police responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a car accident on Sherrick Road where a telephone pole was knocked down. Witnesses informed the authorities that the driver of the vehicle, later identified as 53-year-old Frank E. Tyson, had entered the AMVETS location after the collision for unknown reasons.

Upon arrival, law enforcement officers attempted to apprehend Tyson, leading to a struggle. In the footage, Tyson can be heard claiming that someone was trying to kill him. Multiple officers were required to subdue him as they urged him to calm down.

The video reveals a concerning moment where an officer is seen kneeling on Tyson for nearly 30 seconds before moving away once he is handcuffed. Tyson can be heard distressed, stating that he is unable to breathe. After some time, Tyson becomes unresponsive while lying face down on the carpet.

Officers eventually checked on Tyson and noticed his lack of response. They quickly removed the handcuffs and began chest compressions in an effort to resuscitate him. Additionally, two doses of Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, were administered. The fire department and emergency medical personnel arrived approximately 20 minutes after Tyson's final verbal response. Despite their attempts to revive him, Tyson was pronounced dead at Aultman Hospital at 9:18 p.m.

An autopsy was conducted on Tyson in Cuyahoga County, with preliminary results suggesting a need for further toxicology testing. The official report, including the cause of death, is expected to be released in approximately six weeks. The incident is currently being investigated as an "in custody death" by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

Canton Mayor William V. Sherer II expressed his condolences to the Tyson family and affirmed the city's commitment to transparency. Two officers involved in the incident have been placed on leave, following standard protocol. Attempts to reach Tyson's relatives have been unsuccessful.

According to records from the Stark County Court of Appeals, Tyson was recently released from prison after serving 24 years for a kidnapping charge. Investigators are now delving into the circumstances surrounding the tragic event at the AMVETS location.

As the investigation remains in the hands of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Canton Police Department pledges to cooperate fully, supplying all necessary information to aid in the inquiry.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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