Suspect dead, officer injured in Ohio standoff shooting

JACKSON TOWNSHIP — A suspect is dead, and a Canton Regional SWAT officer was wounded during a standoff Monday at a Jackson Township hotel, according to authorities.

The incident began around 11 a.m. when U.S. Marshals with the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) attempted to arrest a fugitive wanted in West Virginia for a federal weapons violation.

The suspect was located at a hotel in the 6800 block of Sunset Strip Avenue Northwest.

According to the NOVFTF, the fugitive pointed a firearm at officers during the arrest attempt and then barricaded himself inside a hotel room.

Despite repeated commands to surrender, the suspect refused.

Canton Regional SWAT was called to assist. Officials say the suspect fired multiple rounds from inside the room, striking a SWAT officer and a law enforcement vehicle.

The officer was treated at a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

After several exchanges of gunfire, officers shot the suspect, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two firearms and multiple spent bullet casings were recovered from the hotel room, according to authorities.

“Today, this fugitive with an extensive violent criminal history dating back to the 1970s attempted to kill officers on scene during the arrest,” said U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott. “Unfortunately, one officer was shot, but all officers responded with professionalism and dedication to resolve the situation safely.”

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is now handling the investigation at the request of Jackson Township police.

The standoff caused significant traffic disruptions. Both directions of I-77 were closed for several hours near Shuffel Street and Portage Street due to the police incident.

Local roads around Sunset Strip Avenue Northwest were also blocked. The Stark County Sheriff’s Office assisted with traffic control.

By 2 p.m., I-77 and the surrounding roads were reopened.