In a disciplinary move that underscores the tension between police enforcement and community expectations of justice, the Canton Police Department has terminated Detective Brandon Momirov after he was seen on video kicking a suspect during an arrest. The video, which sparked community outrage, depicts Momirov kicking 21-year-old Jaemiir McElroy in the chest. At the same time, McElroy appeared to be kneeling with his hands up, in compliance with officer commands, as reported by FOX8.
At the core of the incident, which occurred last August at the Mahoning Manor Apartments, was a response to reports of a large argument involving multiple people. Amidst the unfolding chaos, McElroy ended up with a concussion after the encounter with Momirov and now faces charges of obstruction and resisting arrest. The narrative of compliance and subsequent police overreaction was echoed by eyewitness Amari Reese, who, in a statement reported by Cleveland19, said, "I don't understand why the cop ran up and kicked him in his face, but it was uncalled for cause he really wasn't doing nothing."
Canton Mayor William Sherer's unequivocal response to the incident was captured in a statement acknowledging the unacceptable nature of the behavior displayed in the video. "While I respect our officers who put their lives on the line each day to protect this community, that respect comes with much responsibility and commitment; a commitment to be held to the utmost level of professionalism regardless of the circumstances," Sherer articulated, as per the official release and shared by Cleveland19.
Director of Public Safety Andrea Perry, supported by Mayor Sherer, decided on the termination after an internal review flagged Momirov's conduct as a severe breach of the department’s use-of-force policy. Adding to the city's law enforcement controversies, this termination follows the firing of Officer Nicholas Casto related to an incident involving a police dog and a man already subdued on the ground. Community tensions had been heightened since an April incident wherein Frank Tyson died in police custody, his death ruled a homicide by the coroner's office, as detailed in a statement obtained by WKYC.
The discharged detective’s actions are currently under review. Meanwhile, community advocates and legal representatives, such as McElroy's attorney, Bob DiCello, have voiced a call for transparency and accountability from law enforcement. "Would this case have even happened without bystander video? It’s our position that it wouldn’t have and that’s what we want the city to become a place where bystanders don’t have to protect themselves or their neighbors from the police," DiCello told Cleveland19.
