(TheLastPatriotNews.com) – A tense and deadly standoff has unfolded at an Ohio motel when police tracked down a man wanted on federal weapons charges.
See a TV news report about the incident in the YouTube post below!
This scenario, rife with gunfire and bold defiance, ended with the fugitive dead and an officer injured.
Opponents of weak law enforcement would argue if this confrontation was the byproduct of liberal policies that fail to manage crime effectively.
The situation took place in Jackson Township, where the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force located a dangerous fugitive hiding at a local motel.
The man, already wanted on serious charges in West Virginia, pointed a gun at officers as soon as they arrived, forcing the authorities to call in the Canton Regional SWAT Team.
As tensions escalated, the fugitive, James J. Vanest, barricaded himself in a motel room, firing multiple rounds.
The chaos left a North Canton SWAT officer injured, shot in the arm during the melee.
“Officer Lewis was struck in the right arm and was provided emergency trauma care at the scene before being transported to a local hospital where he is expected to make a full recovery,” stated Police Chief Frank Kemp Jr., cited by CantonRep.
Vanest, an individual with a lengthy history of violent crime dating back to the 1970s, left officers with little choice.
Officers fired back in defense, killing Vanest and preventing further harm.
The suspect’s past was riddled with armed robberies and similar offenses, marking him as a dangerous threat to society.
“Today, this fugitive with an extensive violent criminal history dating back to the 1970s 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,” said US Marshal Pete Elliott.
Despite discovering two firearms and several bullet casings, no further injuries were reported.
The community is still recovering, with Interstate 77 and nearby areas briefly closed for safety.
Meanwhile, the Stark County Coroner seeks Vanest’s next-of-kin, highlighting a tragic aspect where, as Harry Campbell stated, “Nobody should die alone. Nobody should die without their family being notified, unless there’s no choice.”
With the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation looking into the incident, all eyes are on the handling of fugitive situations.
Law enforcement is urging the public to provide tips to the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force, a call to action that presents a chance for responsible citizens to keep communities safe.
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