Wanted Man from Michigan Dies by Suicide Following Mattoon Police Encounte

Monday, 16 February 2026

A man wanted by Michigan police took his own life after an encounter with police in Mattoon, according to authorities.

On Friday, Mattoon officers say they were contacted by the Kalamazoo, Michigan Department of Public Safety about a suspect with an active armed robbery warrant believed to be in the city.

Officers responded to the 1400 block of East Broadway Avenue and located the man sitting in the passenger seat of a vehicle in a hotel parking lot.

Investigators say officers then attempted to get the man to step out of the vehicle. 

During that interaction, the man opened the vehicle's door and told officers he was going to shoot himself because he did not want to return to prison, according to investigators.

Police say the man then closed the vehicle door and shot himself. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Today, Coles County Coroner Ed Schniers identified the man to News Watch as Devon Canady (37). 

Authorities say no officers fired their weapons during the interaction.

Illinois State Police are investigating the situation. 

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