In a tragic incident, the death of Frank Tyson, a 53-year-old Ohio man, has been ruled as a homicide by the Stark County Coroner's Office. Tyson passed away on April 18, following an altercation with police officers at an AMVETS post in Canton, approximately 60 miles south of Cleveland. The preliminary autopsy report, released on Monday by Chief Investigator Harry Campbell, lists the causes of death as cardiopulmonary arrest associated with physical altercation, prone restraint, acute intoxication by cocaine, and ethanol. It is important to note that a homicide ruling does not necessarily imply a criminal act.

In a distressing video that captured the encounter, Tyson can be seen resisting arrest, stating, "They're trying to kill me" and "Call the sheriff." Despite his resistance, officers proceed to handcuff him, with one officer placing their knee on his upper body while Tyson repeatedly gasps, "I can't breathe." The officers are heard telling him to calm down and stop fighting as they secure him face down. One officer is seen flipping through Tyson's wallet during the ordeal.

For an alarming duration of over five minutes, Tyson lies motionless on the floor while officers engage in conversation with bar patrons. One officer is heard expressing their desire for a bar fight, stating, "I don't know if this counts." It is only after this extended period that the officers check for a pulse, revealing Tyson's unresponsive state.

Tyson, an African American man, had been taken into custody following a single-car accident that resulted in the severance of a utility pole. A passing motorist, whose identity is concealed in the video, directed the officers to the AMVETS post where Tyson was located. Upon their arrival at the bar, Tyson knocks over a barstool, prompting the officers to request the sheriff's assistance. The video shows one officer questioning whether Tyson had calmed down and whether he was breathing. After checking for a pulse, the officers later perform chest compressions on the unresponsive Tyson.

This unfortunate incident raises concerns about the use of force by law enforcement officials, particularly during restraint procedures. The ruling of homicide underscores the need for thorough investigations into such incidents to ensure accountability and promote public trust in the justice system.