US Marshal shot in the line of duty in Canton released from hospital

CANTON, Ohio (WOIO) - A U.S. Marshal shot while serving a warrant in Canton Wednesday evening, has been released from the hospital.

The suspect, Aaron Pierre Thomas, 33, was also shot and remains in critical condition at a Canton area hospital.

Canton police, Stark County Sheriff deputies and members of the Northern Oho Violent Fugitive Task Force were at a home in the 1700 block of Regent Avenue around 5 p.m. where it was believed Thomas was hiding.

Law enforcement officials said while they were on scene, Thomas broke a window on the second floor, fled out the front door and started shooting.

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliot said Thomas fired multiple rounds at officers.

Officers returned fire and Thomas was struck.

Sean Thompson lives in the neighborhood and was bringing in his laundry while talking to a neighbor and they noticed the police presence.

“Out of nowhere we heard these big blasts, boom, boom,” Thompson said, “I dropped my laundry and I got to running, I heard maybe 8 shots.”

Fortunately no one else was hurt during the gun fire, Thompson for one was glad that the task force was able to take Thomas down.

“I am glad they got him down and subdued him,” Thompson said, “I had no idea he was out here, nobody did, and for him to have a violent past like that, with guns around all of these kids, I am glad he’s off the streets.”

According to Elliot, Thomas is a violent fugitive wanted out of Danville, Virginia.

On March 22, Danville police issued warrants on Thomas for armed robbery and aggravated assault.

Thomas also has a violent criminal history; including, previous manslaughter charges.

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