Family of Canton man who died after police kneeled on neck files $13M lawsuit

Frank Tyson's death draws comparisons to George Floyd case, with officers facing criminal charges

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:22pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuffed wrists against a pitch-black background, conveying a sense of restraint and the stark, gritty aftermath of a violent encounter.The harsh reality of police use of force is laid bare in the aftermath of a violent encounter that ended in tragedy.Canton Today

The family of Frank Tyson, a 53-year-old man who died after Canton police officers handcuffed him and kneeled on his neck, has filed a $13 million lawsuit against the city. The lawsuit accuses the officers of excessive force and failing to provide medical care, drawing parallels to the 2020 death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about police use of force, particularly against Black individuals, and the need for accountability and reform in law enforcement practices. The criminal charges against the officers involved also underscore the gravity of Tyson's death and the potential consequences for officers who engage in such conduct.

The details

According to the lawsuit, on April 18, 2024, Tyson crashed his car and walked into a nearby Amvets. When officers Camden Burch and Beau Schoenegge arrived, a scuffle ensued, and the officers forced Tyson to the ground and handcuffed him. The lawsuit alleges that Schoenegge kneeled on Tyson's back and Burch kneeled on his neck, despite Tyson's repeated pleas that he couldn't breathe. After about five minutes, the officers realized Tyson was unconscious and called for an ambulance, but the lawsuit claims the paramedics failed to properly resuscitate him.

  • On April 18, 2024, Tyson crashed his car and walked into a nearby Amvets.
  • In 2024, Burch and Schoenegge were charged with reckless homicide, a third-degree felony.
  • A trial for Burch and Schoenegge is scheduled for August 10, 2026 in Stark County Common Pleas Court.

The players

Frank Tyson

A 53-year-old man who died after Canton police officers handcuffed him and kneeled on his neck.

Camden Burch

A Canton police officer charged with reckless homicide in Tyson's death.

Beau Schoenegge

A Canton police officer charged with reckless homicide in Tyson's death.

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What they’re saying

“I've always wanted to be in a bar fight. I don't know if this counts”

— Beau Schoenegge, Canton police officer

What’s next

A trial for officers Camden Burch and Beau Schoenegge is scheduled for August 10, 2026 in Stark County Common Pleas Court, where they will face charges of reckless homicide.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing need for police reform and accountability, particularly around the use of excessive force and the failure to provide timely medical care. It also draws parallels to the 2020 death of George Floyd, underscoring the persistent problem of police violence against Black individuals in the United States.