Canton police: Probe underway after man who struggled with officers during arrest dies

CANTON − A 53-year-old man being arrested Thursday night died shortly after being handcuffed and struggling with officers, according to a statement from the police department.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is investigating what led to the death of Frank E. Tyson of the East Canton area.

Two police officers involved in the arrest have been placed on paid administrative leave, a police statement issued Friday evening said.

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According to the statement from Canton police:

Officers responded to a report of a one-vehicle crash after 8:15 p.m. Thursday in the 1700 block of Sherrick Road SE that resulted in a utility pole being sheared and falling onto the street. The driver had fled from the vehicle.

Based on witness reports on where the driver had gone, police said they found Tyson at the AMVETS building at 1822 Sherrick Road NW, where officers say he resisted and struggled with officers trying to handcuff him.

"Shortly after securing him in handcuffs, officers recognized that Tyson had becoming unresponsive," the statement said without elaboration.

Police said officers administered CPR and doses of Narcan used to combat drug overdoses before paramedics transported him to Aultman Hospital. Tyson was pronounced dead at Aultman at 9:16 p.m.

Canton police said they immediately contacted Ohio BCI to initiate an investigation.

Police officers Beau Schoenegge and Camden Burch, of the Traffic Bureau, who responded to the accident call, were placed on paid administrative leave, which police said was in accordance with department policy.

"I want to extend my deepest sympathy to those close to Mr. Tyson," Canton Police Chief John Gabbard said in a written 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."

In a statement accompanying the police news release, Mayor William V. Sherer II also issued a statement saying the city would soon release to the public the Canton police bodycam footage. City Hall has reached out to family members of Tyson so they would be given the opportunity to view the footage first before the city released it, the mayor said.

"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. .... 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. .... 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."

Reach Robert at robert.wang@cantonrep.com. X formerly Twitter: @rwangREP.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Frank Tyson dies amid Canton police arrest; state BCI investigating