Police: Off-duty North Canton officer fires shots, arrested

NORTH CANTON, Ohio - A North Canton police officer has been arrested after a bizarre incident where police say he fired his gun several times.

North Canton officers were called to the 200 block of Weber Avenue NE just before 7 p.m. on Jan. 29 for a report that Lt. Scott F. Denniss, 46, was distraught, police said.

According to the police report, Denniss fired his .9mm gun at the ground and at an officer. North Canton police said officers located Denniss near the street, but were able to control the situation and prevent any injuries.

Denniss, a full-time officer since 1991, was taken to Aultman Hospital. He was released on Monday and taken to the Stark County Jail. He has been charged with discharging firearms, domestic violence and felonious assault.

“When this incident occurred he was off duty and not conducting himself in any kind of official manner. He has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation being conducted into his actions that evening,” the North Canton Police Department said in a news release on Monday.

Denniss was promoted to lieutenant in March 2000. The department said he has been a supervisor of the field training program and laser/radar instructor.

“He has been a loyal and dedicated police officer throughout his service to the community,” the department said.