A man experiencing mental distress was found dead after an hours-long standoff with police on Thursday afternoon in New Philadelphia. Police responded to the incident around 2:36 p.m. after the man called the New Philadelphia Police Department, stating he was armed and unsure of his actions if officers approached his home. The incident took place at the man’s residence in the 200 block of Kent Circle NE.
The man’s wife, who was in the residence, confirmed to dispatchers that he was in mental distress and had access to weapons. Authorities advised her to exit the house if she could do so safely. Once outside, officers attempted to negotiate with the man, urging him to leave his home peacefully to receive mental health support.
The name of the deceased has not been released.
During the standoff, police heard a sound consistent with gunfire from inside the residence, after which they lost contact with the man. Members of the New Philadelphia Special Response Team then entered the home, where they found the man deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. No other injuries were reported.
The New Philadelphia Police Department extended thanks to the New Philadelphia Street Department for road closures, the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office for on-site assistance, and the New Philadelphia School District for rerouting buses and promptly notifying parents of safe pickup locations for students. The Coshocton County and Guernsey County sheriff’s offices were also prepared to assist if the situation had extended further.
Community members are encouraged to seek help if they or someone they know is struggling with mental health challenges. Resources include the 24/7 Springvale crisis line at 330-343-1811, the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline, and the Crisis Text Line by texting 4HOPE to 741-741. Additional resources are available at adamhtc.org.
