Grand jury will not indict Canton officer in 2023 police-involved shooting

*Attached video shows previous coverage

CANTON , Ohio (WJW) — An Ohio grand jury declined to indict a Canton police officer in connection to a fatal police-involved shooting in December of 2023, the Stark County Prosecutor’s Office announced Friday.

Officer Garret Marino shot and killed Zachary Fornash in Dec. of 2023. As Fox 8 News previously reported, the two engaged in a short foot chase during which Officer Marino was heard saying, “get the [expletive] on the ground,” then saying “give me the air, he’s got a gun,” presumably requesting to use the open radio channel.

As the chase continued, Officer Marino was heard repeatedly ordering Fornash to “get on the ground or you are going to get shot,” after which Fornash slowed to a walk.

Marino then repeatedly ordered Fornash to “show me your hands.”

Fornash appeared to be heard saying “no,” after which he turned and continues walking away.

Marino then demanded that Fornash put his hands on his head.

Without moving his hands from his waistline, Fornash appeared to turn to face the officer when Marino fired at least four shots.

While laying fatally wounded on the ground, Fornash was heard telling the officer that his gun was a BB gun.

According to the Stark County Prosecutor’s Office, the grand jury was presented the incident, and after testimony and deliberation, decided not to indict Officer Marino on any criminal charges.

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