CPD officers de-escalate mental health crisis
By Canton CitizenInterim Police Chief Joseph Perkins reported last week that Canton Police officers were able to successfully de-escalate a situation involving an armed individual experiencing a mental health crisis inside the police station lobby on Wednesday afternoon, January 21.
Police recovered this pellet gun from a Canton resident who was experiencing a mental health crisis.
According to Perkins, at approximately 3:40 p.m., an individual walked into the CPD headquarters at 1492 Washington Street holding what appeared to be a handgun and threatened to shoot officers.
Two officers spoke with the individual through a lobby door and attempted to de-escalate the situation through conversation. The individual, a 36-year-old Canton resident, continued to threaten officers while brandishing the weapon.
Ultimately, amid de-escalation efforts, the magazine fell out of the weapon. Police officers deployed a Taser to gain control of the individual and the weapon.
Police determined that the weapon was a realistic-looking airsoft gun that would only fire non-lethal plastic pellets.
The individual was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. Perkins said criminal charges will be filed at a later date.
“I want to commend the professionalism and incredible restraint shown by our officers in an extremely dangerous situation,” said Perkins. “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.”
Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=133223
Posted by Canton Citizen
on Jan 30 2026. Filed under News, Police & Fire.
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