Canton man allegedly shot police officers during chase

A Canton man is in custody on a variety of charges after allegedly shooting at a police officer during a chase in East Canton Sunday night, police said.

According to a press release from East Canton Police, Edward Irwin III was charged with the following:

• Attempted serious attack on a police officer
• Flee and escape
• Serious drug possession

According to police, the chase began after an East Canton officer initiated a traffic stop at the corner of Wood and Nassau streets around 12:05 a.m. Sunday. During the stop, the officer heard “multiple” gunshots from about 100 yards away on East Nassau Street and saw a man, later identified as Irwin, riding a motorcycle on Browning Court before turning onto Wood Street via Noble Street.

The officer began pursuit on State Route 44 and the pursuit left the East Canton city limits. Shortly thereafter, police say, Irwin allegedly turned toward the officer and shot him twice, then once into the air.

According to police, the officer was not hit and continued to pursue Irwin. After a “short period of time,” Irwin reportedly slowed down and attempted to drive onto a gravel driveway, but lost control of his motorcycle. Irwin reportedly regained control of the motorcycle and drove off on State Route 44, heading back to East Canton.

Police officers from the City of Louisville and the Village of Hartville, as well as Stark County Sheriff’s officers, joined the pursuit. According to East Canton police, Irwin was in another motorcycle accident on South Wood Street and allegedly attempted to flee before being apprehended by a Hartville sniffer dog.

After taking Irwin into custody, police discovered he had “numerous” warrants for his arrest for serious crimes. Irwin was treated at a hospital and taken to the Stark County Jail.

Irwin may face additional charges as police continue to investigate the alleged shooting.

In the press release, East Canton Mayor David Spencer and Police Chief Thomas Hinerman thanked responding law enforcement agencies for their assistance in the pursuit.

“We also acknowledge the dedication and persistence of our ECPD officer, which ultimately led to the arrest,” the press release said.

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