Charges Spark Comparisons to George Floyd’s 2020 Killing
In a case that has drawn parallels to the 2020 death of George Floyd, two Ohio police officers, Beau Schoenegge and Camden Burch of the Canton Police Department, have been indicted on reckless homicide charges in the April death of Frank Tyson, a 53-year-old Black man. Stark County Prosecutor Kyle Stone announced the indictment on Saturday, emphasizing that accountability applies to everyone.
“No one is above the law,” said Stone at a press conference. “And no one is so far below it that they don’t deserve its protections.”
Details of the Incident and Video Footage
The incident took place on April 18, after Tyson allegedly fled the scene of a single-car accident where his vehicle collided with a utility pole. According to body camera footage released by Canton Police, Schoenegge and Burch apprehended Tyson in a nearby tavern. The video shows officers wrestling Tyson to the ground, restraining him with handcuffs, and, at one point, applying a knee near his neck.
As Tyson cried, “I can’t breathe. I can’t … Get off my neck,” one of the officers is heard instructing him to “calm down” and saying, “You’re fine.” Tyson remained handcuffed and motionless, face down, for around eight minutes before officers checked his pulse, removed his handcuffs, and began CPR. Tyson was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Parallels to George Floyd’s Death
The death of Frank Tyson has reminded many of George Floyd’s killing in Minneapolis four years ago, where a police officer knelt on Floyd’s neck for over nine minutes as he repeatedly cried, “I can’t breathe.” Floyd’s death, caught on video, ignited global protests against police violence and racial injustice. While Floyd’s killer, former officer Derek Chauvin, was convicted of manslaughter and murder, many see Tyson’s case as a stark reminder that excessive force in policing remains a pressing issue.
Family Seeks Justice as Officers Face Charges
The indictment is seen as a significant development in the quest for justice, according to Tyson’s family and their attorney, Bobby DiCello. “We acknowledge that this is just one step to achieving justice for Frank and his family in what has been a long and very difficult journey,” DiCello stated during the press conference. He noted that it is “incredibly rare” to see an outcome like this in cases involving police officers.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Sentences
Schoenegge and Burch have been charged with reckless homicide, a third-degree felony that carries a possible sentence of up to 36 months in prison and a $10,000 fine. Following the April incident, both officers were assigned to administrative duties but have remained in custody since the indictment. A bond hearing is scheduled for Monday morning.
The Canton Police Department has not yet commented on the charges, nor is it clear whether either officer has retained legal representation. Tyson’s family, however, has expressed cautious optimism about the progress made toward accountability, underscoring the need for systemic changes to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
