Bodycam video shows moment Canton police officer shot suspect accused of brandishing pellet gun
By: olice have released body camera video showing a Canton police officer fatally shooting a suspect late Tuesday night.
According to a release from the department, the incident occurred on Alan Page Drive Southeast after residents alerted the officer of a man who had pulled a firearm during an argument. Twenty-four-year-old Zachary Fornash died, while Chief John Gabbard has since identified the officer who pulled the trigger as Garrett Marino, an eight-year veteran of the force.
Video from the encounter shows Marino approaching Fornash with his own weapon drawn while yelling "Put your hands on your head!" several times. Fornash ignores him and walks away with his hands in his pockets, only to turn back toward Marino before the officer fired at least three shots.
Per Gabbard, paramedics attempted to render first aid to Fornash, but he died at the scene. The object he was carrying was later determined to be a pellet gun.
Following department policy, Marino has been placed on administrative leave. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is conducting a probe of the shooting.
Gabbard released the following statement:
"I welcome the independent review of this incident and have confidence in the ability of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) to thoroughly and objectively investigate. All loss of life is tragic for our community, regardless of the circumstances, and my prayers are with the family of Mr. Fornash, Officer Marino, and all of those affected. My respect for the independence of the investigation limits my ability to comment further."