James J Vanest Obituary, Death; – New details have emerged regarding the standoff on Monday that resulted in the death of a wanted individual and left a police officer injured at a motel in Jackson Township.
According to the North Canton Police Department, the officer injured during the exchange of gunfire at the Rodeway Inn is Patrick Lewis, who has served as a member of the department for nine years. In a statement prepared by Police Chief Frank Kemp Jr., it was noted that Lewis is a master operator on the SWAT team, fulfilling roles as both a sniper and a precision rifle instructor.
“Officer Lewis sustained an injury to his right arm and received emergency trauma care at the scene before being transported to a local hospital, where he is anticipated to make a full recovery,” Kemp stated.
Next-of-kin sought for James J. Vanest
The Stark County Coroner’s Office is appealing to the public for assistance in locating a family member of the man who was fatally shot after he opened fire on law enforcement officers attempting to apprehend him. U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott described the individual as a fugitive with a long and violent criminal history dating back to the 1970s.
Harry Campbell, chief investigator for the Stark County Coroner’s Office, reported that the suspect, 68-year-old James J. Vanest, was pronounced dead at 2:51 p.m. on Monday. The coroner’s office, along with law enforcement, has been unsuccessful in locating any family members. Vanest was previously a resident of Kingswood Street NE in Plain Township.
“Nobody should die alone,” Campbell remarked. “Nobody should pass away without their family being informed, unless there is no alternative. We hope to locate his family.” Individuals with information regarding his next-of-kin are encouraged to contact the coroner’s office at 330-451-1366. An autopsy is scheduled to be conducted today by the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office.
