Two police officers in Canton, Ohio, have been indicted on charges of reckless homicide in connection with the death of Frank Tyson, a Black man who died following a police encounter in April. The officers, Camden Burch and Beau Schoenegge, were booked into the Stark County Jail after the completion of the state Bureau of Criminal Investigation's inquiry into Tyson's death.
Stark County prosecutor Kyle L. Stone presented the case to a grand jury, resulting in the indictment of the officers. Stone emphasized that no one is above the law and that everyone deserves its protections.
Reckless homicide, a third-degree felony, carries a maximum penalty of 36 months in prison. The arrests come more than six months after Tyson, 53, passed away, with his final moments captured on police body-camera footage.
Bodycam Video Reveals Disturbing Details
The incident unfolded after Tyson crashed a vehicle and sought refuge at a veteran's hall. Bodycam footage shows officers restraining Tyson, with one officer placing his knee on or near Tyson's neck while he repeatedly pleaded, 'I can't breathe.'
Despite Tyson's distress, officers continued to detain him until realizing he was unresponsive. Medical intervention, including the administration of Narcan and CPR, was unsuccessful, and Tyson was pronounced dead at a hospital.
Family and Legal Reactions
Tyson's family and their attorneys expressed mixed reactions to the charges, with his brother, John Tyson, acknowledging the indictment as a small victory. The family attorney, Bobby DiCello, emphasized that the true perpetrator in this tragedy was not Frank Tyson.
The Stark County Coroner's Office ruled Tyson's death a homicide, citing contributing factors of acute intoxication by cocaine and alcohol. The police incident report provided minimal details, stating that Tyson resisted arrest after crashing a vehicle.
Community Response
Canton Police Chief John Gabbard extended condolences to Tyson's loved ones, while Tyson's fiancée, Sabrina Jones, expressed her emotional turmoil upon viewing the bodycam footage. The head of the local police union defended the officers, highlighting their dedication to public safety and criticizing attempts to politicize the situation.
As the legal proceedings continue, the community remains divided over the actions of the involved officers and the tragic loss of Frank Tyson.
