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On November 21st, 2025 at approximately 10:30 am, a patrol officer from the Mount Vernon Police
Department responded to a report of threats being made to several individuals.
During the officer’s investigation, and based on the information provided by the victims, including
statements and text messages, the suspect had made repeated threats of physical harm and death
directed towards several persons. Information was also received that the suspect was in possession of
multiple firearms.
A warrant was soon issued for the arrest of the suspect Justin L. Ross (34) for two counts of Aggravated
Menacing, and one count of Telecommunications Harassment.
When officers approached the suspect’s residence at approximately 11:30 am in the 800 block of West
Vine Street to serve the arrest warrant, the incident escalated into a standoff with the armed and
barricaded suspect. Officers quickly established a perimeter around the residence, and at this time the
Mount Vernon Police Department Emergency Services Unit was activated and responded to the scene.
Detectives from the Police Department were also called to the incident. Mount Vernon Police were also
assisted by members of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and Knox County Dog Wardens Office.
Due to the direct proximity to the Knox ESC Learning Center, school staff were immediately notified, the
school was placed on lock down, and school evacuation procedures were started. The school was
completely and safely evacuated by 12:15 pm. The students and staff were taken by bus to the Mount
Vernon High School field house.
After roughly two hours of communicating with the suspect, he exited his residence and surrendered
himself to officers at approximately 1:35 pm without incident. He was then transported to the Knox County
Jail and is being held without bond at this time.
As of this release, at least one firearm was seized and removed from the residence and a search warrant
is being prepared for the home. This incident is still under investigation by the Mount Vernon Police
Department, and further charges may be forthcoming.
In accordance with the provisions of Ohio’s Marsy’s Law, victim information will not be released at this
time.
