CANTON, Ohio — Newly released body camera video from the Canton Police Department shows the moments leading up to last week's controversial interaction between a K-9 unit and a suspect.
Body camera video from a Canton K-9 officer appears to show the police dog aggressively charge at a suspect who was on the ground following a traffic stop made by officers nearby. Canton K-9 officer, Patrolman Nicholas Casto, has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation.
"During a traffic stop, the arrested suspect was found to be in possession of a loaded concealed handgun. The arrested suspect is prohibited from possessing firearms," Canton police noted in its report of the incident. "Other arrested subjects caused annoyance on scene, were advised to cease, and refused to do so. The disorderly subjects then delayed officers duties and fought with officers who were attempting to arrest them."
Now we are seeing what led to the chaotic night.
WHAT THE NEW VIDEO SHOWS
It all began in the 1100 block of 16th Street Northwest just before 8:30 p.m.
Police pulled over a vehicle for failing to use a turn signal before pulling over to a curb. At least two cruisers are at the scene and officers soon spot a liquor bottle in the car.
"That's probable cause. We're going to search the car because of that," an officer tells the 19-year-old driver of the car.
While police question and detain the driver and his passenger, another officer discovers what appears to be a loaded concealed handgun from the driver's side. A police report from the incident indicated that the suspect is prohibited from having firearms.
The arrest of 19-year-old Kyshawn Hawkins and 18-year-old J’Dyn Campbell riles up family members and neighbors. As an officer continues to search the car, more police cruisers arrive and emotions are running high.
"I need everybody to the side of the road right now," one officer instructs angry bystanders.
"Go flex your muscles somewhere else," one of the people on the street shouts back.
About 20 minutes after police first arrived on scene, Casto deploys his K-9 on a man face down with his hands behind his back. The dog is on him for roughly 20 seconds.
The man, Kieven Conver, was transported to Mercy Hospital following the K-9 attack. Conver was charged with resisting arrest, obstructing official business and disorderly conduct.
Nearby, officers tackled, pepper-sprayed, and arrested another man. Police later wrote in their report that those arrested "delayed officers' duties, refused to obey, and fought with police."
Four people in all were arrested.
REACTIONS
Conver's family has hired Cleveland-based attorney Bobby DiCello to represent them, according to a release from the DiCello Levitt law firm. DiCello has previously represented the family of Jayland Walker following his 2022 death at the hands of Akron police, and is currently also representing the family of Frank Tyson after he died while in Canton police custody.
DiCello issued the following statement last Friday night:
"This is the fourth major incident in only two years involving excessive force unleashed by the Canton police department. Residents of Canton are forced to live in a city under siege by the police. The community's response is desperate apathy and hopelessness because they have learned the hard way that law enforcement will not be there to protect them.
"We ask Governor Mike DeWine, State Senators, and the Department of Justice to immediately step up and start an investigation into systemic, racially motivated violence and gang-style culture prevalent in the Canton Police Department."
DiCello later sat down with 3News' Russ Mitchell to discuss the case:
Canton Mayor William V. Sherer II released a statement along with the police reports and initial body camera footage last Friday:
"I am aware of the incident regarding Canton Police K-9 Officer Nicholas Casto that took place on the evening of May 30th. Effective today, Officer Casto has been placed on paid administrative leave per department policy. I take these occurrences very seriously. I understand the community will have questions, and I will ensure that my office will be forthcoming with information as it becomes available."
Stark County Prosecuting Attorney Kyle L. Stone also released the following statement:
"I have been made aware of an incident that took place yesterday May 30, 2024, with the City of Canton Police Department. While I absolutely understand the community's concern and outrage, I do not have jurisdictional oversight of the Canton Police Department. This oversight rests with the City of Canton and the Canton Law Department. If, however, after an investigation is completed and it requires action from my office, I will do what's necessary to effectuate justice accordingly. Until it becomes necessary for my office to take action there will be no further statements regarding this unfortunate situation."
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