Mt. Vernon Man Taken Into Custody Following Standoff

A Mt. Vernon man who had refused to exit a home after displaying a weapon to police eventually surrendered early Sunday morning.

Police say they initially attempted to locate Lyndon Hawkins when investigating a report of a person failing to pay a cab fare. They located an open door at the front of the residence and began knocking and announcing their presence. They later did the same at the back door. A short time later, the back door opened and Hawkins displayed a firearm towards an officer and then retreated back into the residence.

With the assistance of officers from the Illinois State Police and Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, a perimeter was established around the residence and the Mt Vernon Police Department/Jefferson County Sheriff's Department High Risk Team was activated. Jefferson County State's Attorney Shawn Featherstun assisted with securing a search warrant for the residence.

Police say officers on scene continued giving commands to Hawkins to exit the residence but he would not cooperate. Members of the High-Risk Team arrived on scene and officers were able to make contact with a family member of Hawkins' to negotiate his surrender. Hawkins surrendered at 1:48 Sunday morning, about two hours after his home was first approached by police. Officers conducted a search of the residence and located a firearm inside.

Hawkins was taken to the Jefferson County Justice Center and he has been charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm, No Valid FOID Card, and Theft of Services.