The Canton Police Department has publicly released body camera footage depicting the arrest of 53-year-old Black man, Frank Tyson, who died shortly after in a local hospital. This incident, which occurred on April 25, is drawing significant comparisons to the 2020 death of George Floyd due to similar distressing circumstances observed in the footage.

Incident Details: Frank Tyson’s Encounter with Officers

According to the body camera video, officers responded to a report of a single-car accident involving a vehicle that struck an electrical pole. A bystander informed the officers that the driver had fled into a nearby tavern. The footage shows officers entering the tavern and approaching Tyson at the bar. A struggle ensued as officers attempted to restrain him, during which Tyson is heard expressing his inability to breathe and calling for help.

Key Moments Captured on Camera

The 36-minute video reveals a critical moment where one officer is seen placing a knee on Tyson’s back near his neck for approximately 30 seconds, despite Tyson’s repeated pleas, stating, “I can’t breathe. I can’t… get off my neck.” Officers then observed Tyson lying motionless on the floor for about six minutes, eventually checking his vital signs and initiating CPR. Tyson was transported to a hospital where he later died. The cause of death is still under investigation.

Public and Legal Reaction

This incident has sparked renewed discussions on police conduct and the need for comprehensive review and reform in police practices, especially concerning the handling of individuals under distress. The Canton Police Department has not yet provided comments on the video or confirmed further details about the incident.

The release of this body camera footage is a crucial step in ensuring transparency and accountability in law enforcement. It highlights the ongoing issues within policing practices and the critical need for reforms to address the handling of individuals in custody, particularly when life-threatening distress is evident.

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