A resident of eastern Canton died in police custody last week after being handcuffed and left face down on the floor of a social club. The officers involved in the incident are currently under investigation. On Wednesday, body camera footage was released showing a police officer from Cant responding to a report of a traffic accident and encountering Frank Tyson, a 53-year-old man, in a bar near a club called American Veterans (AMVETS).
According to the footage, after a witness directed the officers to the bar where Tyson was located, a woman opened the door and urgently asked them to remove him. The police then proceeded to handcuff Tyson, who resisted and voiced concerns about his safety. Despite his pleas for help, they pinned him down on the ground with a knee in his back, and he told them he couldn’t breathe.
The officers ignored Tyson’s distress and joked with passersby. It wasn’t until they realized that Tyson was in a medical crisis that they attempted to provide assistance. Unfortunately, Tyson was pronounced dead at a hospital less than an hour later.
An investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding Tyson’s death and whether the officers will face charges related to the incident. The Mayor of Canton expressed condolences to Tyson’s family and emphasized the importance of transparency in the community during this difficult time.
The use of face-down restraints has been controversial in law enforcement for many years as it can lead to positional asphyxiation and endanger the lives of suspects. Proper care and handling are essential in ensuring the safety of individuals in police custody.