By Lori Monsewicz
The Repository
CANTON, Ohio — A coordinated investigation Thursday by three police agencies and the U.S. Marshals Service led to the arrest of a man accused of firing shots at a Stark County deputy taking part in a surveillance operation.
Frederick M. Hill, 49, of Barberton was nabbed Thursday by the Barberton Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Hill faces charges of felonious assault on a peace officer, first-degree felony, and illegal cultivation of marijuana.
Stark County Sheriff George Maier said a Stark County Metro Narcotics Unit deputy was assisting Canton’s Vice Unit on a drug investigation Wednesday night about 10:45 in the 2600 block of Cleveland Avenue SW. He was there only for a short period when a suspect spotted him.
“Our deputy attempted to remove himself from the situation,” the sheriff said.
But as he drove away, the suspect got into a car, followed, pulled up alongside the deputy’s unmarked car several blocks away and opened fire.
“As far as we know, only two shots were fired,” Maier said. One bullet struck the car door pillar. The other shattered a window.
The deputy sped away and called for help.
“We’re just happy that our deputy’s OK and that nobody was injured,” Maier said, adding that “this is what we deal with here in Stark County.”
He noted the drug-related shooting of a deputy this week in Tuscarawas County, adding “This is just the nature of the business we’re in. We’re dealing with bad people.”
The investigation is continuing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Canton Police Department at 330-489-3144 or the Stark County Sheriff’s Office at 330-430-3800, or on the tip line at 330-451-3937. Anonymous tips can be sent by texting CANTON and the message to 847411.
©2017 The Repository, Canton, Ohio