Two Ohio officers, Camden Burch and Beau Schoenegge, have been charged with reckless homicide in the death of Frank E. Tyson, a Black man who repeatedly pleaded, "I can't breathe," during an encounter with police in April. Stark County Prosecuting Attorney Kyle L. Stone announced the charges following an investigation by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. The grand jury's indictment came after reviewing the bureau's findings, and if convicted, the officers could face up to three years in prison and a $10,000 fine each.
During the incident, the officers responded to a report of a vehicle crash and, upon following a witness's directions, encountered Tyson at an AMVETS lodge. Body camera footage shows Tyson visibly distressed, knocking over a barstool, and exclaiming, "They're trying to kill me." In attempts to subdue him, the officers restrained Tyson, with one officer reportedly placing a knee on his upper body for about 30 seconds. Tyson, while being held down, repeatedly stated, "I can't breathe," and even cried out, "You're on my neck." He was later taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His autopsy listed cardiopulmonary arrest related to the altercation, restraint, and intoxication.
This tragic event evokes memories of George Floyd and Eric Garner, both of whom also pleaded, "I can't breathe" before dying in similar circumstances. Craig M. Riley, representing the Fraternal Order of Police Ohio Labor Council, criticized the timing of the charges, suggesting political motives close to Election Day.
Tyson's family sees the charges as a step toward accountability. His brother, John Tyson, called it "an incremental move forward," while family attorney Bobby DiCello praised Stark County's prosecutor for the courage to pursue justice, saying, "This is how justice works — through acts of courage."
Link: NBCNews
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