Homicide Ruling Issued
The death of Frank Tyson, a 53-year-old East Canton resident who died while in police custody earlier this year, has been officially ruled a homicide by the Stark County Coroner’s Office. Tyson’s death occurred on April 18 after he was restrained by police officers at a social club in Canton.
Circumstances Surrounding the Incident
Tyson, who was Black, had been involved in a vehicle crash that severed a utility pole shortly before his encounter with the police. Following the crash, a passing motorist directed officers to a nearby bar where Tyson was located. A woman at the bar pleaded with officers to remove him from the premises.
Body-camera footage released by the police shows that Tyson resisted as officers attempted to handcuff him. He repeatedly expressed fear for his life, stating, “They’re trying to kill me” and “Call the sheriff,” as he was taken to the floor. Despite Tyson’s pleas that he could not breathe, officers restrained him with a knee on his back and continued to handcuff him while he lay face down with his legs crossed on the floor.
Coroner’s Findings and Contributing Factors
The preliminary autopsy report from the Stark County Coroner’s Office noted that, in addition to the manner of death being ruled a homicide, Tyson had a heart condition and was under the influence of cocaine and alcohol at the time of his death. However, the coroner’s office emphasized that the ruling of homicide does not necessarily imply that a crime was committed.
Police Actions Under Scrutiny
The body-camera footage also reveals that officers were initially unconcerned, with one officer joking with bystanders and searching through Tyson’s wallet before they realized he was in a medical crisis. About five minutes after Tyson first declared, “I can’t breathe,” an officer asked if he had calmed down, only for another to respond, “He might be out.”
The two white Canton officers involved in the incident remain on paid administrative leave as the investigation continues.
Tyson’s Background
Frank Tyson had been released from state prison on April 6, just 12 days before his death, after serving 24 years on kidnapping and theft charges. He was almost immediately declared a post-release control supervision violator for failing to report to his parole officer, according to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.
