CANTON, Ohio — Two police officers have been charged with reckless homicide in the case of a man who died while restrained and face down at a social club in Canton. The victim, Frank Tyson, a 53-year-old resident of East Canton, had reportedly expressed distress, telling officers he could not breathe before his death on April 18. The announcement was made by Stark County Prosecutor Kyle Stone during a press conference on Saturday.
Officers Beau Schoenegge and Camden Burch face the allegations stemming from Tyson’s death, which occurred following his arrest shortly after he was involved in a motor vehicle accident that resulted in a severed utility pole. Body-camera footage recorded during the incident shows Tyson, who was Black, struggling against the officers while repeatedly stating, “They’re trying to kill me” and asking people nearby to “Call the sheriff.” Despite his pleas, officers continued to restrain him face down on the ground, dismissing his cries for help and joking with bystanders before realizing the severity of his medical situation.
The county coroner’s office later classified Tyson’s death as a homicide and cited contributing factors such as a pre-existing heart condition along with intoxication from cocaine and alcohol. Stone elaborated that these charges are classified as third-degree felonies, with potential penalties including up to 36 months of imprisonment and a maximum fine of $10,000. He also clarified that no bystanders would face charges as there was no evidence implicating them.
The Stark County sheriff’s office confirmed that both Schoenegge and Burch have been booked into the county jail, but details regarding their legal representation remain unavailable. Following departmental protocol, both officers have been placed on paid administrative leave.
Bobby DiCello, the attorney representing Tyson’s family, expressed relief regarding the arrests, indicating that those responsible for what he described as Tyson’s “inhumane and brutal death” would be held accountable. He noted that this situation is “bittersweet,” emphasizing that Frank’s confirmation as a victim of homicide brings about a painful reality for the family.
Hector McDaniel, the president of the county’s NAACP chapter, characterized the charges as consistent with the behavior witnessed during the incident. He expressed hope that this progress would lead to greater transparency and accountability within the police force.
Prior to this incident, Tyson had been released from state prison just days before on April 6, after serving a lengthy 24 years for kidnapping and theft. However, he was soon labeled as a post-release control supervision violator by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction for failing to report to a parole officer, which prompted renewed scrutiny of his situation leading up to the tragic event.