Crime
Police Incident Shuts Down I-77 in North Canton Amid Active Shooting Situation
A section of Interstate 77 in Stark County that was closed on Sunday afternoon has reopened, according to the Jackson Township Police Department.
The closure was prompted by a law enforcement operation involving the U.S. Marshals Service.
Timeline of Events
- Start of Operation:
Jackson Township Police Chief Mark Brink reported that the U.S. Marshals Service initiated a law enforcement operation in the 6800 block of Sunset Strip N.W. in Jackson Township around 11 a.m. - Incident Location:
The operation centered around the Roadway Inn, located at 6880 Sunset Strip Avenue. According to an employee at the motel, authorities appeared to be targeting a specific individual for arrest. - Gunfire Reported:
During the encounter, shots were fired, and part of the incident was captured on camera by a witness. - SWAT Involvement:
The Canton Regional SWAT team and Canton Police officers also responded to the scene in a SWAT capacity. Their presence ensured public safety and assisted in resolving the situation. - Nearby Business Lockdown:
The Cracker Barrel restaurant, located at 6940 Sunset Strip Avenue, was temporarily placed on lockdown during the operation. The restaurant has since reopened, and normal activities have resumed in the area.
Traffic and Public Safety
The temporary closure of I-77 caused significant traffic disruptions as law enforcement secured the scene. However, the highway was reopened later in the day after the situation was brought under control.
Investigation Ongoing
Details surrounding the law enforcement operation, including the identity of the individual involved and any arrests made, have not yet been disclosed. The incident remains under investigation by local and federal authorities.
Residents and businesses in the area have been advised that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA โ A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple Universityโs campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple Universityโs Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
โThe loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victimโs family and loved ones.โ
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victimโs last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individualโs involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.