James J. Vanest dies in fatal Jackson Township motel shooting
James J. Vanest dies in fatal Jackson Township motel shooting
Fatal Jackson Township motel shooting death of James J. Vanest – Obituary
A standoff at the Rodeway Inn in Jackson Township ended with the death of James J. Vanest, 68, and the injury of North Canton SWAT officer Patrick Lewis. The confrontation began Monday when law enforcement officers attempted to apprehend Vanest, who was wanted on a federal weapons violation in West Virginia. Vanest fired multiple shots at officers, leading to his fatal shooting by police.
Officer Patrick Lewis, a nine-year veteran of the North Canton Police Department and a member of the Canton Regional SWAT team, was injured in the exchange. He was struck in the arm but is expected to make a full recovery, according to a statement from Police Chief Frank Kemp Jr. Lewis was praised for his courage and professionalism, with community members expressing their support for his recovery.
Vanest, who had a lengthy criminal history dating back to the 1970s, barricaded himself in a motel room after pointing a firearm at members of the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force. Despite repeated attempts to negotiate a peaceful surrender, Vanest opened fire through the walls and windows, prompting the SWAT team to respond with lethal force. Authorities recovered two firearms and spent shell casings at the scene.
Vanest had a history of convictions, including armed bank robbery and firearms offenses, for which he had previously served time in federal prison. His troubled past included a childhood marked by hardship and years spent in state and federal custody. Efforts are currently underway to locate Vanest’s next-of-kin, as the Stark County Coroner’s Office seeks
James J. Vanest dies in fatal Jackson Township motel shooting Fatal Jackson Township motel shooting death of James J. Vanest – Obituary A standoff at the Rodeway Inn in Jackson Township ended with the death of James J. Vanest, 68, and the injury of North Canton SWAT officer Patrick Lewis. The confrontation began Monday when…
James J. Vanest dies in fatal Jackson Township motel shooting Fatal Jackson Township motel shooting death of James J. Vanest – Obituary A standoff at the Rodeway Inn in Jackson Township ended with the death of James J. Vanest, 68, and the injury of North Canton SWAT officer Patrick Lewis. The confrontation began Monday when…