Canton mayor issues statement after two officers charged in Frank Tyson’s death

CANTON, Ohio (WOIO) – Mayor William Scherer II issued a statement Sunday after two Canton officers were charged in connection with the death of Frank Tyson while in police custody.

An attorney representing the family of Frank Tyson said Saturday that his loved ones were “relieved” after a grand jury decided to indict two Canton police officers in his death in April.

Frank Tyson, 53, died in police custody on April 18 after fleeing a hit-and-run in Canton.

Stark County District Attorney Kyle L. Stone announced the arrests of the two officers Saturday during a news conference.

“No one is above the law, and no one is so below the law that they don’t deserve its protection,” said Prosecutor Stone.

According to the Stark County Jail’s website, Canton officers Bo Shenegge and Camden Birch were charged with negligent homicide.

If convicted of the felony charge, the suspect could face up to 36 months in prison, a $10,000 fine, and the loss of his job.

Beau Schoenege / Camden Burch(Stark County Jail)

Shenegge and Burch were booked into the Stark County Jail on Friday.

In a press release, Tyson’s family attorney shared his reaction to the decision to indict Shenegge and Burch.

In April, Frank Tyson ran into a nearby AMVETS club in the 1700 block of Sherrick Road SE and asked someone to call the sheriff. Instead, the Canton police were called.

Inside the club, Tyson struggled with the police.

After Tyson was knocked to the ground and placed on his stomach in handcuffs, he told officers he couldn’t breathe. Tyson can be heard on a police body camera telling officers at least seven times in one minute that he can’t breathe, family members said.

At the time, the Canton policeman had a knee on his back.

Tyson was taken to a local hospital where he died, still in handcuffs.

The Stark County Coroner’s Office ruled Tyson’s death a homicide with contributing causes including acute cocaine and alcohol intoxication and cardiopulmonary arrest.