Patrol Officer Brian Craig Roshong, age 24, of Canton, Ohio, tragically died on July 20, 1996, from gunshot wounds sustained during a foot pursuit. Officer Roshong had joined the Canton Police Department in May 1996 and had served for only two months before his untimely death. The incident began when Officer Roshong attempted to apprehend a suspect, Apollo Williams, who was caught trying to break into a police impound lot.
During the pursuit, Officer Roshong was shot in the throat and right shoulder. He succumbed to his injuries two days later.
Apollo Williams, a 22-year-old suspect, was apprehended and charged with two counts of felonious assault on a police officer and aggravated burglary. Following Officer Roshong's death, the charges were upgraded to one count of aggravated murder. Williams was convicted of murder and sentenced to life without parole.
The loss of Officer Roshong was deeply felt by the Canton community and the law enforcement community at large. His dedication and sacrifice were honored by the Ohio Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation. Officer Roshong's legacy continues to be remembered and respected by those who knew him and those who have learned of his story since.
