NAACP calls for DOJ probe into death of Frank Tyson in Canton [Video]

In a letter to Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Kristen Clarke dated May 1, NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson said the organization was asking the DOJ to conduct “a thorough investigation immediately.” 

“Without federal intervention, the police officers may not be held accountable for their actions,” Johnston stated. “We seek justice and accountability.”

The encounter involving Tyson and Canton police occurred on April 18 when two officers responded to an AMVETS Post on Sherrick Road Southeast. Police say Tyson ran there after crashing his car near the eastern limits of the city of Canton. Body camera video released on April 25 shows officers struggling to arrest Tyson before one of the officers restrains him by placing his knee on the back of Tyson’s upper body. Tyson is heard on the video repeatedly saying, “I can’t breathe.”

Canton police identified the officers …