A 911 caller who reported finding a body near a creek in southeast Canton on Tuesday described the discovery as “kind of” looking like a body before confirming it appeared to be a full human body lying close to the water.
According to dispatch audio and police information, the caller said the body was located about a foot from the water’s edge in the 1600 block of Third Street SE.
“It kind of looks like a body,” the caller initially told dispatchers, before adding, “It looks like a full person’s body.”
The caller also reported the body appeared to be wrapped in a blanket and secured with a yellow strap.
Canton police said officers and Canton Fire personnel responded to the scene around 2:45 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, where they located a deceased woman near the creek. The victim was later identified as 46-year-old Charise M. Otis of Canton.
Paramedics transported Otis to the Stark County Coroner’s Office for further examination. Authorities said her remains will undergo an autopsy at the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Police have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding her death. However, a police narrative indicates the body was found wrapped in blankets and secured with a ratchet strap.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Canton Police Detective Bureau at 330-489-3144 or the Canton Communications Center at 330-649-5800. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Tip411 or Stark County Crime Stoppers.
