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Canton Walmart Shooting: Officers injured During Arrest Attempt
What Happened in Canton, Ohio?
On January 23, 2024, a routine shoplifting arrest at a Walmart in Canton, Ohio, escalated into a shooting that left two Canton Police officers injured. Officers were attempting to take two suspects into custody for alleged shoplifting when one of the suspects produced a firearm and discharged it, striking both officers. The incident occurred at approximately 1:15 PM EST at the Walmart located at 4000 Belden Village Street NW.
Both officers were promptly transported to Aultman Hospital with gunshot wounds. Initial reports indicated that one officer sustained injuries to the shoulder and the other to the leg.As of January 24, 2024, both officers are in stable condition and expected to recover. The suspect who fired the weapon was apprehended at the scene after a brief struggle and is currently in custody facing multiple charges,including aggravated assault and felonious assault.
The Suspects and Charges
The Stark County Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed that the suspect, identified as 28-year-old DeShawn davis of Canton, is facing charges related to the shooting. A second suspect, 26-year-old Kayla Marie smith, also of Canton, was taken into custody and is being investigated for her potential involvement in the incident. The specific charges against Smith are pending further investigation.
| Suspect | Age | City of Residence | Initial Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeShawn Davis | 28 | Canton, OH | Aggravated Assault, Felonious Assault |
| Kayla Marie Smith | 26 | Canton, OH | Pending Investigation |
Court records indicate Davis has a prior criminal history, including a conviction for carrying a concealed weapon in 2018. This prior conviction will likely be a factor in sentencing if he is convicted on the current charges.
Impact on the Canton Community
The shooting has understandably shaken the Canton community. Canton Police Chief Jack Angelo expressed his gratitude for the swift response of his officers and the medical personnel who treated the injured. He also emphasized the inherent dangers faced by law enforcement officers every day. The incident has sparked renewed discussion about gun violence and the safety of both police officers and shoppers in public spaces.
Walmart has released a statement expressing their cooperation with the police investigation and offering support to the affected officers and their families. The store was temporarily closed following the shooting but has since reopened.
Legal and procedural Considerations
The Canton Police Department is conducting a thorough investigation into the incident,including reviewing body camera footage and interviewing witnesses. the Stark County Prosecutor’s Office will present the case to a grand jury, which will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to indict Davis and Smith on the charges filed against them.
Aggravated assault is defined as knowingly causing or attempting to cause physical harm to another or recklessly causing serious physical harm to another.
