Canton Police investigating video of officer kicking ‘complying’ suspect: Release

CANTON, Ohio (WOIO) - The Canton Police Department is investigating after a social media video began circulating of a Canton officer kicking a suspect who appeared to be complying, according to police.

According to a release from Canton Police, officers were called to the 1800 block of Morris Ave. for a large argument involving 10 to 15 people around 8:30 p.m. It happened in the parking lot of Mahoning Manor Apartments.

“Guns out, suited up, helmets on,” recalled Amari Reese, who lives in the complex and witnessed what happened. “I’m like damn you would’ve thought they was looking for somebody. Everybody was getting ready to go to a party and then the cops pulled up so deep and so fast. They was in the back of the building, in the grass. They was just a little bit of everywhere so everybody was just confused.”

Multiple people fled the scene and officers chased some individuals by foot.

Police say one suspect was carrying a firearm and the chase was canceled.

More officers arrived at the scene and found multiple other suspects.

Officers ordered the suspects to the ground and they appeared to comply, according to the release.

The release said an officer kicked 21-year-old suspect Jaemiir McElroy in the chest.

“I don’t understand why the cop ran up and kicked him in his face, but it was uncalled for cause he really wasn’t doing nothing,” Reese said.

McElroy, suspect Terrence Backie, and one other suspect were all taken into custody and police found two pistols, a backpack with a large amount of marijuana, currency, scales, according to the release.

Court documents reveal McElroy faces charges of resisting arrest and obstructing official business. He is due back in court on Tuesday.

Backie pleaded guilty to a charge of obstructing official business. He was sentenced to 1 day in jail with 89 days of jail suspended for good behavior.

Kimberly Bell also lives in the complex. She didn’t see it happen but said she saw the young men in the parking lot an hour earlier.

“It’s an old saying never kick a man while he’s down and that’s literally what this man did,” Bell said. “This man got kicked in the face and he collapsed to the ground.”

Outraged members of the community showed up for the city council meeting on Monday. The Canton Mayor Bill Sherer shared his reaction.

“It is very unfortunate that situations like this reflect on our entire department and situations like this will be handled,” Sherer said.

The tension between the community and the police has been growing since Frank Tyson died in police custody in April. The coroner’s office ruled his death a homicide. The two officers involved are on paid administrative leave.

Canton Officer Nicholas Casto was fired after a video went viral of a police dog attacking a man who was already on the ground with his hands behind his back.

Many in the community want to see this officer involved held accountable.

“He should be just like anybody else,” said Reese. “It was uncalled for. He was already on the floor.”

The actions of the officer are currently under review, according to the release.

Canton Police Chief John Gabbard released the following statement on Monday:

McElroy’s attorney, Bobby DiCello, released the following statement on Monday:

Canton Mayor William Sherer II released the following statement on Tuesday:

Canton Safety Director Andrea Perry released the following statement on Tuesday: