Two Canton officers charged in Frank Tyson's death

Two Canton officers have been charged with third-degree felonies in connection with the death of Frank Tyson, according to the Stark County Sheriff’s Office.

Beau Schoenegge and Camden Burch were both charged with reckless homicide, authorities said.

What happened?

On April 19, Canton police reported that a 53-year-old man, later identified as Frank Tyson, died while in police custody after fleeing a single-car accident.

According to Canton police, officers found a utility pole in the road and Tyson’s vehicle was empty. Police located Tyson a short distance away after witnesses pointed them to the AMVETS lodge down the street.

Canton police said Tyson struggled with officers during his arrest and, after being placed in handcuffs, became unresponsive. CPR and several doses of Narcan were administered before paramedics arrived.

Tyson was taken to Aultman Hospital, where police say he was pronounced dead at 9:18 p.m.

Canton police later released video footage of Tyson’s arrest. In the video, Tyson says, “They’re trying to kill me,” and also says, “I can’t breathe.”

Community response

American civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton delivered the eulogy at the funeral. Attorney Ben Crump, who represented the families of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor as well as Tyson’s family, was also among those who spoke.

During the eulogy, Sharpton called on the community to “stand up for Frank Tyson!”

Rev. Al Sharpton delivers eulogy at Frank Tyson’s funeral

In May, protests held a rally for Tyson at Central Plaza in Downtown Canton.

“In 2020, when it was George Floyd, it was a different time. I know we had a lot less to lose at that point, but this is just as important,” said Sierra Mason, a local community activist.

Protesters for ‘Justice for Frank Tyson’ Friday evening in Canton

The death was officially ruled as murder

On August 12, News 5 reported on the Stark County coroner’s office ruling Tyson’s death a homicide.

Once again, a controversial arrest technique was at the center of the case. This time it was Tyson’s high-profile death in Canton.

Noted police expert and law professor Seth Stoughten found Tyson’s death baffling in the post-George Floyd era.

Controversial arrest tactics at the heart of the Frank Tyson case

What’s next?

Stark County Prosecutor Kyle L. Stone announced Friday that a press conference for the grand jury decision will take place at Tyson’s on Nov. 2 at noon.

News 5 will be there.

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