WATCH: Body cam footage released in fatal officer-involved shooting of Minerva man

The Canton Police Department released public records related to the officer-involved shooting that occurred on December 5th in the 900 block of Alan Page Dr. SE. The disclosure, aimed at promoting transparency, includes body-worn camera footage and the identification of the involved Canton Police Officer.

On the evening of December 5th, at approximately 10:00 PM, Canton Police Officer Garrett Marino responded to a call after citizens reported a suspect allegedly brandishing a gun during an argument. The ensuing interaction between Officer Marino and the suspect, identified as Zachary Fornash, 24, of Minerva, resulted in the use of deadly force. Subsequent investigations revealed that the weapon described by witnesses as a firearm was, in fact, a pellet gun.

Despite the immediate dispatch of Canton Fire Department Paramedics and emergency medical aid administered by officers at the scene, Fornash succumbed to his injuries.

In the body camera footage, you can hear Officer Marino order Fornash multiple times to drop the firearm. Marino fired multiple shots at Fornash when the suspect stopped walking and turned towards him.

Officer Marino, an eight-year veteran of the Canton Police Department hired on May 15, 2015, has been placed on Administrative Leave in accordance with departmental policy and recognized best practices.

Chief Gabbard expressed openness to an independent review of the incident and voiced confidence in the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) to conduct a thorough and objective investigation. He stated, “All loss of life is tragic for our community, regardless of the circumstances, and my prayers are with the family of Mr. Fornash, Officer Marino, and all of those affected. My respect for the independence of the investigation limits my ability to comment further.”