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James J. Vanest

Gender : Male

Age : 68

Race : White

Date : 11/18/2024

Location : Rodeway Inn at 6880 Sunset

City : Canton

County : Stark

State : Ohio

Agency : US Marshals, Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force, Canton SWAT, Canton Police

Officer(s) :Patrick Lewis, many others

Cause of Death : Gunshot

Event : Killed by police during arrest

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

On November 18, 2024, James J. Vanest, 68, was fatally shot by police officers during an attempt to arrest him at the Rodeway Inn in Jackson Township, Ohio. Vanest, wanted in West Virginia for federal weapons violations, had a violent criminal history dating back to the 1970s. When authorities tracked him to the motel, he barricaded himself in a room and brandished a firearm. The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force, along with the Canton Police and SWAT, attempted to negotiate his surrender but were met with gunfire from Vanest, who shot at officers through windows and walls. A North Canton police officer, serving on the SWAT team, was wounded in the arm during the exchange, requiring surgery. Officers returned fire, fatally wounding Vanest. The situation led to the temporary closure of a section of Interstate 77. Two firearms and spent bullet casings were found at the scene.
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TOTAL CASUALTIES DURING THIS POLICE ENCOUNTER: 1 dead (James J. Vanest).

SOURCE LINKS :

https://www.the-review.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2024/11/18/i-77-shut-down-in-jackson-township-due-to-police-incident/76408342007/
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Bystander Video: xxx
https://www.cleveland19.com/2024/11/18/i-77-closed-police-activity-nearby-restaurant-lockdown/