Citizen tips from our previous media release regarding the robbery that happened on March 14 helped identify both suspects.
Investigators obtained warrants on 33-year-old Aaron Thomas for robbery, felony assault, possession of firearm by a felon and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Investigators also charged Antonio Stanfield, age 28, with robbery. Both men are from Danville.
Danville Police officers assigned to the U.S. Marshal’s Capital Area Fugitive Task Force believed Thomas fled to Ohio. They contacted members of the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOFTF) to help apprehend Thomas. According to local authorities, Thomas and a law enforcement officer were injured in an exchange of gunfire in Canton, Ohio Wednesday evening.
According to a media release,
As officers approached the home where they believed Thomas had been staying, Thomas attempted to break a window out of a second-story home. After breaking the window out, he fled out of the front door of the home and opened fire on the officers on scene.
One member of the NOVFTF was struck by the suspect’s gunfire. Officers then returned fire and hit Thomas. Officers and medics on scene rendered aid to both the officer and suspect and both were transported to Canton area hospitals. The officer is in stable condition and will likely be released from the hospital soon. Thomas is currently in critical condition (courtesy Stark County Sheriff’s Office Facebook).
The Danville Police Department wishes the injured officer a quick recovery and we are appreciative of our partnership with the U.S. Marshal’s Service.
Anyone who may have information on Stanfield’s whereabouts can contact us at 434-793-0000 or use our crime tips app CARE at https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=818#.