CANTON, Ohio — The Canton Police Department reports that a 53-year-old man who was apprehended by two police officers on Thursday after fleeing from a crash died while in custody.
According to a release from the department, officers responded to a report of a one-vehicle crash in the 1700 block of Sherrick Road Southeast on Thursday evening around 8:15 p.m. Officers apparently observed a power pole in the roadway that had been sheared in the accident and found the vehicle nearby.
Canton police say witnesses directed officers to the AMVETS in the 1800 block of Sherrick Road SE, where the driver of the vehicle was reported to have fled. At AMVETS, police report that officers encountered Frank E. Tyson of East Canton. Police officials say that Tyson struggled with the officers, before they were able to secure him in handcuffs.
Shortly after Tyson was taken into custody, Canton police say the officers at the scene noticed that Tyson had become unresponsive. Officials say he was given CPR and "several doses of narcan" before paramedics arrived.
Tyson was taken to Aultman Hospital, where police say he was pronounced dead at approximately 9:18 p.m.
Canton police officials report that the Ohio Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) was immediately contacted and will conduct "an independent investigation of the incident." Meanwhile, the two primary officers on the call, Officers 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," Canton Police Chief John Gabbard said in a statement. "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."
Canton Mayor William Sherer II added the below 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’' 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."