Frank E. Tyson - Urgent Call for Accountability and Reform
In a time when police brutality is routinely carried out and swept under the rug, it is crucial to support its victims at every step of the way. To see real justice for Frank E. Tyson, we must organize and make it known that our community stands with Frank. Are you ready to take action? Send a letter today.
Preview Below:
"I am writing to express my concern and outrage over the recent tragic death of Frank E. Tyson, a 53-year-old resident of East Canton, while in police custody. The release of the distressing body camera footage by the Canton Police Department has disturbed the community and raised serious concerns about the behavior of law enforcement officers.
The footage, which spans over 35 minutes, depicts a series of events leading to Mr. Tyson's death. As officers Beau Schoenegge and Camden Burch attempted to subdue Mr. Tyson, he can be heard shouting in distress, pleading with officers, "They're trying to kill me," and urgently requesting to "Call the sheriff."
After seeing the video, they called for better police training, awareness of de-escalation, and for officers to recognize the humanity in all people. Maurice Morris, a former Toledo police officer of 20 years said, "We're tired. We're tired. We're tired. We're sick and tired of being sick and tired. We're tired, this can't continue to happen."
Despite Mr. Tyson's cries for help and last words of “I can’t breathe. You’re on my neck. I can’t breathe,” officers continued to exert force, with one officer applying pressure on Mr. Tyson's upper body, worsening his distress.
Even after the removal of the officer's knee, Mr. Tyson's pleas for help were dismissed by another officer who responded with profanity.
Tragically, Mr. Tyson remained motionless on the floor for more than five minutes while officers discussed their next steps, displaying a lack of urgency and empathy. During this time, one officer heartlessly joked about the incident, demonstrating a lack of regard for human life.
These horrific actions are unacceptable and demand swift and decisive action. I demand immediate accountability for ALL responsible for Mr. Tyson's death and urge a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.
Furthermore, I call for urgent reforms within the Canton Police Department to address systemic issues of excessive force, inadequate training, and a lack of accountability.
It is so important that steps are taken to ensure that such a tragedy never occurs again. I stand united in demanding justice for Frank Tyson and all victims of police brutality.
You can view the body camera footage for yourself here: Body Cam Footage: Viewer Discretion (Graphic)"