Incident
Officer Brian Roshong succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained two days earlier while involved in a foot pursuit of a suspect.
Officer Roshong and his partner were checking the impound lot on 30th Street Northeast in Canton after witnessing suspicious activity. While pursuing the suspicious person, the subject fired at both officers, striking them. Officer Roshong was transported to the Columbia Mercy Medical Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds on July 22, 1996. Officer Roshong's partner was also wounded, but recovered.
The 22-year-old suspect was apprehended, convicted of murder, and was sentenced to life without parole.
Officer Roshong was a United States Army veteran who had served with the Canton Police Department for only 2 months and previously served with the Cambridge Police Department. His father retired as a captain with the Stark County Sheriff's Department.
Survivors
Survivors include his parents and three siblings.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OH-897FB55D- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Brian. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrol Officer Roshong served with the Canton Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Canton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrol Officer Roshong.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrol Officer Brian Craig Roshong is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In OH, 572 of 991 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 57.7% of this state's fallen. That is 3.5 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Canton Police Department, 5 of 7 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 71.4% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Brian Craig Roshong's cause is highlighted.
How Brian Craig Roshong Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Brian Craig Roshong is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Brian Craig Roshong was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Canton Police Department are honored on badge.nw.





