The Ohio Police Department has released disturbing body camera footage capturing the tragic death of 53-year-old Frank E. Tyson, a resident of East Canton.
Tyson died after repeatedly telling police officers, “I can’t breathe,” as they attempted to arrest him. The video, unveiled by the Canton Police Department and reported by local news network WKYC, sheds light on the events leading to Tyson’s demise.
The footage depicts officers confronting Tyson and struggling to take him into custody. One officer is seen restraining Tyson by placing his knee on Tyson’s upper body, despite Tyson’s repeated pleas of “I can’t breathe.”
Following Tyson’s final words, the video shows him lying motionless on the ground for over five minutes before police checked for a pulse.
The encounter occurred on April 18 when officers responded to a one-vehicle crash near the eastern limits of Canton. Tyson had fled to an AMVETS post on Sherrick Road Southeast. Officers Beau Schoenegge and Camden Burch, both from the traffic bureau, were identified as involved in the incident.
They have been placed on paid administrative leave, and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is conducting an inquiry.
Authorities initially acknowledged the incident last Friday, stating that Tyson struggled with officers before becoming unresponsive shortly after being secured in handcuffs. Despite attempts to revive him with CPR and Narcan, Tyson was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Responding to the public release of the video, Canton Mayor William Sherer II issued a statement expressing condolences to the Tyson family and emphasizing transparency. He assured that the investigation is in the hands of the BCI, and the authorities are cooperating fully.
Mayor Sherer’s statement underscores the commitment to providing the community with necessary information as the investigation unfolds. The tragic death of Frank E. Tyson has sparked public outcry and calls for accountability, echoing nationwide concerns over police conduct and racial injustice.
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