MOUNT VERNON — Bail has been set at $50,000 for a man police say held them off at gunpoint overnight for almost two hours Sunday a home in Mt. Vernon.

Mt. Vernon police responded to a call around 11:12 p.m. from the 1100 block of Perkins on a report of a person failing to pay for a cab fare.

During the investigation, officers went to the residence at 1121 Perkins in an attempt to locate the offender, Lyndon Hawkins.

The officers began knocking and announcing their presence, before Hawkins opened the back door, reportedly displayed a firearm towards an officer, 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 States Attorney Shawn Featherstun assisted with securing a search warrant for the residence.

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 Hawkin’s to negotiate his surrender. Hawkins surrendered to officers just before 2 a.m. 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.