A woman was hospitalized Thursday morning after an active shooter opened fire at the Versailles Gardens Apartments in North Canton, prompting a large-scale law enforcement response involving local, county, and federal agencies. The suspect is now in custody.
According to the North Canton Police Department, officers were called to the northern part of the city around 8:50 a.m. after a woman reported she was injured. Minutes later, a shots fired call came in, and the first officer arrived on scene at 8:55 a.m.
Officers entered the victim’s apartment shortly after arrival and found the woman suffering from injuries. As they attempted to rescue her, they came under heavy gunfire. Police said officers pulled the woman through a bedroom window at 9:06 a.m. while volleys of eight to nine rounds were being fired. She was transported to the hospital by 9:09 a.m. Her condition has not been released.
Authorities say the suspect, identified as 38-year-old Brian Keith Francisco II, was taken into custody. Police recovered an AR-style rifle, a handgun, and multiple rounds of ammunition from his apartment.
Investigators determined Francisco fired blindly through the wall of a neighboring apartment, across an outdoor corridor, and into the victim’s residence. Police said there is currently no known connection between the suspect and the victim.
Francisco is charged with:
• One count of Felonious Assault (F1) – ORC 2903.11
• Two counts of Felonious Assault (F2) – ORC 2903.11
• Two counts of Improperly Discharging a Firearm at or into a Habitation (F2) – ORC 2923.161
• One count of Inducing Panic (F4) – ORC 2917.31
Major Matthew Buzzard of the North Canton Police Department praised the quick and coordinated response of local and federal agencies, which included SWAT, the FBI, and U.S. Marshals.
“Today’s events were a sobering reminder of the dangers our officers and first responders face,” Buzzard said. “By the grace of God, no one else was injured, and our officers remained safe. The bravery and teamwork displayed today reflect the very best of our law enforcement community.”
Thanks to the rapid response, no additional injuries were reported, and all nearby schools and businesses were taken off lockdown after the scene was secured.
