A Mount Vernon man was discovered deceased from a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound following an armed standoff with police officers. The incident occurred after authorities responded to a domestic violence call on North Division Street on October 26.
According to a press release from Mount Vernon Police Chief Robert K. Morgan, city patrol officers were dispatched at approximately 6 p.m. to a report of domestic violence at a single-family residence in the 100 block of North Division Street. Officers found an adult female victim outside the residence.
Morgan said that officers obtained a warrant for the suspect's arrest on charges of domestic violence. As they approached the residence, the situation escalated into an armed standoff with the suspect barricaded inside. The Mount Vernon Police Department Emergency Services Unit was activated and responded, with assistance from members of the Knox County Sheriff's Office Tactical Response Unit and several deputies. Detectives from Mount Vernon Police were also present at the scene.
The release detailed that officers made numerous attempts to peacefully resolve the situation. The suspect fired several gunshots and issued multiple threats to the officers, repeatedly stating he would not surrender.
After approximately seven hours, Morgan reported that the suspect was found barricaded in the attic space of the home, where he reportedly died from a single self-inflicted gunshot wound. The suspect was identified as Calvin P. Canter, 33.
The incident remains under investigation by the Mount Vernon Police Department Detective Division and the Knox County Coroner's Office. The identity of the victim will not be disclosed at this time due to Ohio's Marsy's Law provisions.
