Authorities have released additional details regarding the standoff at the Rodeway Inn motel on Monday that left a fugitive dead and a SWAT officer injured.
On Nov. 18, 2024, members of the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) tracked a wanted fugitive to a hotel in the 6800 block of Sunset Strip Avenue NW. When task force members attempted to arrest him, the fugitive fired at officers and barricaded himself inside a hotel room.
The Canton Regional SWAT team was activated and responded to the scene. Upon their arrival, the fugitive fired multiple rounds, striking a SWAT team member and a law enforcement vehicle.
The injured officer was identified as Officer Patrick Lewis, a nine-year veteran of the North Canton Police Department and a Master Operator on the Canton Regional SWAT Team. Officer Lewis serves as one of the team’s snipers and is also a precision rifle instructor.
Officer Lewis was struck in the right arm during the firefight. Emergency trauma care was administered at the scene before he was transported to a local hospital. He is expected to make a full recovery.
The fugitive, who has been identified as 68-year-old James Vanest by Stark County Coroner Chief Investigator Harry Campbell, is described by U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott as having an extensive criminal history dating back to the 1970s. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Campbell said they have not been able to locate next of kin for Vanest.
“Today, this fugitive, with an extensive violent criminal history, attempted to kill officers during the arrest,” 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.”
Inside the fugitive’s room, investigators recovered two firearms and multiple spent bullet casings.
No other injuries were reported, and the incident remains under investigation.
