A fugitive wanted for a federal weapons offense out of the Southern District of West Virginia was shot and killed by law enforcement Monday afternoon after a standoff at a motel in Jackson Township.
The U.S. Marshals-led Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) tracked the fugitive to a hotel in the 6800 block of Sunset Strip Avenue NW. When task force members attempted to arrest him, the fugitive pointed a firearm at officers and barricaded himself inside a hotel room, authorities said.
Officers gave the fugitive repeated opportunities to surrender, but he refused to comply and remained barricaded, according to officials.
The Canton Regional SWAT team was activated and responded to the scene. During the standoff, the fugitive fired multiple rounds from inside the room. One of the shots struck a member of the SWAT team, causing a non-life-threatening injury. The injured officer was treated at a local hospital. Another round struck a law enforcement vehicle at the scene, authorities said.
Officers ultimately returned fire, striking and killing the fugitive. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Inside the room, investigators recovered two firearms and multiple spent bullet casings.
“Today, this fugitive with an extensive violent criminal history dating back to the 1970s attempted to kill officers on scene during the arrest,” U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott said in a statement. “Unfortunately, one officer was shot, but all officers on scene responded with professionalism, commitment and dedication to safely resolve the situation.”
No other injuries were reported. The incident remains under investigation.
