Canton judge throws out concealed carry charge against man whose arrest video went viral

CANTON, Ohio - A Canton judge threw out the concealed carry charge against the man who took a verbal lashing from a Canton police officer during a traffic stop earlier this year.

William Bartlett, 52, had earlier asked the CCW charge against him be dismissed. On Thursday, the judge made the decision to toss it out, citing not enough evidence for a conviction.

Bartlett pleaded guilty to a traffic violation and escaped jail time, but was fined $150.

The police dash cam video shows Canton patrolman Daniel Harless yelling obscenities and threatening to kill Bartlett for being "a stupid human being." Harless claimed when he pulled Bartlett over, the man failed to tell him he had a permit to carry a concealed weapon. Bartlett said he tried to, but Harless wouldn't let him talk.

The traffic stop and tirade happened in an area known for prostitution and drug deals at 1:40 a.m. on June 8 in Canton.

Harless was immediately placed on administrative leave.

The incident sparked Ohio Conceal & Carry to call for the resignation of Harless and Allen Schulman, president of Canton City Council.

An exclusive 5 On Your Side investigation turned up 15 internal complaints against Harless and two additional dash cam videos illustrating his temper.