STARK COUNTY, Ohio — An investigation is underway after a suspect was shot by a member of the Tallmadge Police Department during an operation in Stark County.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) says their help was requested by the Lawrence Township Police Department to investigate the overnight shooting, which happened near the 11000 block of Lloyd Street NW.
Tallmadge police say they responded to the 1100 block of Woods Drive in Tallmadge for a report of a man with outstanding warrants on Thursday night. Upon their arrival, the man allegedly fled in a vehicle and led officers on a chase that ended in Lawrence Township.
Police say that 42-year-old Larry G. Beall Jr. pointed a gun at officers, who then fired their weapons. He then reportedly barricaded himself in a truck prior to the Canton Regional SWAT team taking him into custody.
Beall, who is facing an aggravated arson charge, was taken to Akron General for minor injuries after being shot and is currently being held at the Summit County Jail, police said.
Tallmadge Police Chief Ronald Williams tells 3News' Isabel Lawrence "the officers believed that the need to arrest Beall outweighed the risks of the pursuit."
Isabel Lawrence spoke with Beall Jr.'s parents, who said they know their son is no angel, and that he should have taken care of his warrants, but he has a good heart, and does not live with them. They said they are upset about the amount of shots they say police fired at their son. Neighbors told 3News they heard about a dozen shots fired.
They also expressed concerns over the safety of those inside the house, given the shots fired in their driveway.
The parents said the worst part of the situation has been not knowing how their son is doing, and not receiving updates on his condition. They also pointed out their pick up truck in the driveway, which had a visible bullet hole in the side.
Lawrence Township Police Chief David Brown released the following statement: "Lawrence Township responded as a back up agency to Tallmadge Police for this incident. Due to the nature of it, we requested BCI to process the scene and conduct the investigation."
At this time, the incident remains under investigation by the Ohio BCI. Two officers involved have been placed on administrative leave, which follows standard procedure.
