Armed individual enters Canton police station, threatens officers during mental health crisis, officials say

A person experiencing a mental health crisis walked into the police station in Canton on Wednesday showing what appeared to be a handgun, Canton police said. 

Officers quickly attempted to de-escalate the situation by speaking to the individual through the lobby door, but the 36-year-old Canton resident continued the threats, police said.

During de-escalation efforts, the magazine fell out of the weapon and officers deployed a Taser to neutralize the suspect and access the weapon, police said. 

The weapon was determined to be a realistic-looking airsoft gun that shoots non-lethal plastic pellets, according to police.

The individual was transported to a local hospital for evaluations, and criminal charges will be filed at a later date, police said. 

“I want to commend the professionalism and incredible restraint shown by our officers in an extremely dangerous situation,” Interim Chief Joseph Perkins said. “They relied on their training and expertise and focused on de-escalation, even while facing a real and immediate threat. Because of the officers’ actions, this situation was resolved without injury, and the individual was connected with the appropriate mental health services.”