A standoff involving Mount Vernon Police officers and an armed suspect at a West Vine Street residence led to the lockdown and subsequent evacuation of the Knox ESC Learning Center on the morning of November 21.
According to a news release by Mount Vernon Police Chief Robert K. Morgan, a patrol officer responded to a report at approximately 10:30 a.m. on November 21 regarding threats made to several individuals. The investigation, based on victim statements and text messages, revealed that the suspect allegedly made repeated threats of physical harm and death toward several persons. It was also discovered that the suspect possessed multiple firearms.
The release identified the suspect as Justin L. Ross, for whom a warrant was issued for two counts of aggravated menacing and one count of telecommunications harassment. Officers arrived at Ross's residence in the 800 block of West Vine Street around 11:30 a.m., leading to an escalation into a standoff with the armed and barricaded suspect. A perimeter was established by officers, who were joined by the Mount Vernon Police Department Emergency Services Unit and detectives, with assistance from the Knox County Sheriff's Office and Knox County Dog Warden's Office.
Morgan said that due to the proximity to the Knox ESC Learning Center, school staff were immediately notified, resulting in a lockdown followed by evacuation procedures. By 12:14 p.m., students and staff were safely evacuated to the Mount Vernon High School field house.
The release further indicated that Ross exited his residence and surrendered to officers at 1:35 p.m., following approximately two hours of communication. He was taken into custody at the Knox County Jail without bail.
At least one firearm was seized from the residence, according to Morgan's statement. A search warrant was being prepared for further investigation of the home. The incident remains under investigation by Mount Vernon PD, with victim information withheld in accordance with Ohio's Marsy's Law.
