Two Ohio police officers are facing charges of reckless homicide following the death of Frank E. Tyson, a 53-year-old Black man, during a confrontation with police in April. The charges, which carry the potential for a three-year sentence and a $10,000 fine if convicted, were announced after a grand jury reviewed an investigation by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Stark County Prosecuting Attorney Kyle L. Stone made the announcement at a press conference, confirming the indictment of officers Camden Burch and Beau Schoenegge, both aged 24, for their roles in Tyson’s death.
The officers were reportedly taken into custody Friday and remained jailed through the weekend. The prosecutor’s decision was based on findings from an investigation completed in August, with the grand jury approving the charges against the officers. The case has drawn public attention and debate, with statements from various law enforcement representatives highlighting concerns over the political timing of the charges. In response to these concerns, Craig M. Riley, president of a police labor council in Ohio, suggested that political motivations were at play, citing the proximity of the indictment to the upcoming election.
The incident began when officers Burch and Schoenegge responded to a scene involving a vehicle crash near a utility pole in Canton. Upon arrival, they were directed by a witness toward a nearby location at an AMVETS lodge, where they encountered Tyson. Body camera footage, later released by the Canton Police Department, reveals that Tyson appeared agitated, knocking over a barstool and asking for the sheriff’s assistance. He is heard telling the officers, “They’re trying to kill me,” as the officers attempted to detain him.
The footage then shows Tyson being taken to the ground and handcuffed by the officers. During this time, one officer placed a knee on Tyson’s upper body for approximately 30 seconds. Tyson repeatedly stated, “I can’t breathe,” pleading multiple times for relief and, at one point, reportedly saying, “You’re on my neck.” One of the officers instructed Tyson to calm down, but after he was restrained, he was left unattended and motionless for around five minutes. Only after several moments did officers check Tyson’s pulse and begin chest compressions. Tyson was subsequently transported to a hospital, where he was declared dead.
The preliminary autopsy report attributed Tyson’s death to cardiopulmonary arrest associated with physical restraint and a prone position, compounded by acute intoxication from cocaine and ethanol. This determination has brought increased scrutiny to the methods used by the officers and has intensified calls for accountability in cases involving physical restraint and its potential dangers.
Following the incident, the officers involved were placed on paid administrative leave. The charges against them reflect a growing recognition within the legal system of the need for accountability, particularly in cases involving fatal interactions with law enforcement. The incident has also reignited discussions around police reform and the importance of adherence to de-escalation techniques, especially in situations where individuals express difficulty breathing.
The encounter echoes other high-profile cases in recent years where Black men in police custody repeatedly voiced respiratory distress. Tyson’s pleas, “I can’t breathe,” evoke memories of George Floyd’s death in 2020, when a Minneapolis officer placed his knee on Floyd’s neck, and Eric Garner’s death in 2014, when he died in New York City police custody after similarly pleading that he could not breathe. These incidents have each contributed to heightened awareness of how restraint methods can lead to fatal outcomes and have fueled advocacy for significant police reforms nationwide.
Bobby DiCello, the attorney representing Tyson’s family, spoke at a news conference, expressing that the charges represented a measure of progress toward justice. DiCello praised the Stark County prosecutor’s decision, noting that it took “courage” to bring the case to the grand jury. This action, he emphasized, is a step forward in the pursuit of accountability and transparency in cases involving law enforcement.
John Tyson, Frank Tyson’s brother, also addressed the recent developments, stating that while it was not the “win” the family hoped for, the charges nonetheless represented a “small win” that the family could build upon in its continued search for justice. These remarks reflect the cautious optimism felt by the family and its legal representatives, who view the charges as a meaningful, albeit partial, acknowledgment of their loss.
In response to the charges, representatives from police labor unions and law enforcement organizations voiced concerns, suggesting that the indictment may have been influenced by the political climate and timing of the case. These representatives argue that legal and disciplinary actions against officers should prioritize objectivity and fairness, free from external pressures.
The incident has again spotlighted the complexities surrounding law enforcement accountability and the challenges of navigating public perception, particularly in cases that draw national attention. The tension between calls for justice and assertions of political motivations underscores the nuanced issues that often surround police conduct cases.
The indictment of officers Burch and Schoenegge for reckless homicide signals a potentially significant shift in the handling of cases where fatalities result from police interactions. The Stark County prosecutor’s decision to pursue charges reflects an acknowledgment of the need for transparent investigations and accountability in incidents involving police custody deaths.
As the case proceeds, it will likely draw continued public scrutiny and advocacy from both local and national voices seeking justice reforms. Tyson’s death and the legal proceedings surrounding it are set against a broader movement focused on policing practices, reinforcing ongoing debates about the role of law enforcement in society and the measures necessary to ensure the protection of all individuals during police encounters.
