Fugitive Wanted for a Weapons Offense Shoots at Police During Arrest Attempt at Jackson Township Hotel

Jackson Township, OH – This afternoon, members of the U.S. Marshals led, Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) attempted to arrest a fugitive wanted out of the Southern District of West Virginia for a federal weapons offense violation at a hotel in Jackson Township, Ohio.  

Members of the NOVFTF tracked the fugitive to a hotel in the 6800 block of Sunset Strip Ave, NW. During the arrest attempt, the fugitive pointed a firearm at members of the task force and then barricaded inside a hotel room. Task force members gave the fugitive numerous opportunities to surrender but the fugitive did not comply with officer’s orders and proceeded to barricade inside the room with a firearm.

Canton Regional SWAT was activated and responded to the scene. The fugitive fired multiple rounds from inside the hotel room outwards towards officers. One of the rounds fired by the fugitive struck a member of the Canton Regional SWAT team. The officer suffered a non-life-threatening injury and was treated at a local hospital. Another round fired by the fugitive struck a law enforcement vehicle on scene.

After multiple gunshots were fired from the fugitive at law enforcement, the fugitive was ultimately shot by officers and confirmed deceased on scene. Inside the hotel room with the deceased fugitive, two firearms and multiple spent bullet casings were located.

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “Today, this fugitive with an extensive violent criminal history dating back to the 1970’s attempted to kill officers on scene during the arrest. Unfortunately, one officer was shot but all officers on scene responded with professionalism, commitment and dedication to safely resolve the situation.

Anyone with information concerning a wanted fugitive can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833), or you can submit a web tip. Reward money is available, and tipsters may remain anonymous.  Follow the U.S. Marshals on Twitter @USMSCleveland.  

The NOVFTF Canton Division consists of the following federal, state and local agencies:  United States Marshals Service, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Stark County Sheriff’s Office, Canton Police Department, Carrollton Police Department, Holmes County Sheriff’s Office, North Canton Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Perry Township Police Department, Stark County Park District, and Stark County Probation.