Henderson Police Department

Henderson Police Release Details in Food Lion Shooting Case

Press Release- Monday, August 21, 2017

On Saturday August 19, 2017, around 6:00 p.m. members of the Henderson Police Department responded to 1263 Dabney Drive in reference to someone being shot. Upon arrival, officers located Shaekeya Danielle Gay, 23, with a gunshot wound. Gay was transported to Maria Parham Health for treatment and was later transported to Duke Medical Center where she succumbed to her injuries on August 21, 2017.

Around 12:20 PM today, Marcus Tyrell Hargrove, 23, of Vance County, turned himself into law enforcement and was charged with Assault with a Deadly Weapon Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury. He received no bond. These charges will be upgraded to First Degree Murder.

While Mr. Hargrove has been arrested and charged, the Henderson Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in obtaining additional information related to this case. If anyone was at 1263 Dabney Drive on August 19, 2017 from 5:30 PM until 6:15 PM they are encouraged to contact Detective Simmons at 252-430-4234. If anyone should have any additional information on Mr. Hargrove’s activities after the incident, he or she is also encouraged to contact the Henderson Police Department. Callers may also call Crime Stoppers at 252-492-1925 or by using the P3 app on a smartphone or tablet device. Callers may remain anonymous.

Authority: Chief M.W. Barrow

Henderson Optimist Club Hosts Annual Respect for Law Enforcement Banquet

On July 25th the Henderson Optimist Club held their annual Respect for Law Enforcement Banquet at the Henderson Country Club.

Representatives were on hand from the Henderson Police Department, North Carolina Highway Patrol, Henderson Fire Department, Vance County Fire Department and EMS, Vance County Animal Services and the Kerr Lake Park Rangers to receive awards for department representative of the year.

Britt Sams, vice president of the Henderson Optimist Club, was on hand to assist with the award presentations.

Award Recipients by department are listed below:

Vance County Sheriff’s Office

Sergeant Donald R. Roberson Jr.

Henderson Police Department

Sergeant David Elliot

North Carolina Highway Patrol

Trooper J.A. Thomas

Henderson Fire Department

 

Battalion Chief Doug Owen

Vance County Fire/EMS

Fireman Latrel Fields

Vance County Animal Services

Officer William Spain

Kerr Lake Park Rangers

Ranger William D. Stanley

 

Notes: Trooper J.A. Thomas has nominated by Sergeant Jeff Rowan for leading the State of North Carolina in DWI arrests for three consecutive years. Trooper Thomas patrols the Vance, Granville and Warren County areas.

Fireman Latrel Fields received his award for completing 18 months worth of training in seven.

Ranger William D. Stanley thanked the Henderson Optimist Club and other area agencies for working together. The Kerr Lake Rangers ask for the assistance of other area agencies with various issues at Kerr Lake on a routine basis.

Local Police, Fire and EMS team up to save life

Earlier today, I witnessed an incredible series of events in Downtown Henderson. I was walking out of a meeting at the Henderson Police Department, when a call came out for local police, fire and EMS to respond to the intersection of Breckenridge and Chestnut Street for a medical emergency. When I heard that, I turned around and was able to witness Corey Adams of the Henderson Fire Department, and Chief Williams of the Vance County Fire Department begin the process of resuscitating a man that had apparently overdosed. The man was unconscious at the wheel of his vehicle (with the car still in drive and his foot on the brake) when Adams noticed that something was wrong. Adams turned around and placed the call in to other area agencies. Adams, Williams and representatives from the Henderson Police Department and EMS were able to resuscitate the man before placing him inside of an ambulance.

It was hard for me to believe what I saw.

I asked for a description of what had happened from Adams, and his response is below.

“Kevin I really appreciate the gratitude, but I really didn’t do nothing special. Just like you have gone to school for broadcasting and marketing, I went to school for situations like that. I did nothing else that any police, fire or ems person would have done, I was just the one in the right place at the right time. I just happen to notice a person that seemed in distress, when I checked on him I knew he was having a medical emergency. At that moment all of my  EMS training kick in to help the patient the best of my abilities. I was lucky enough to have Chief Williams from Vance County Fire Department around the corner to assist me in helping the patient. I removed the patient from the vehicle  so me and Chief Williams could better assist the patient until the arrival Of EMS. The Public Safety services  here in Vance County And the City as you saw firsthand work very well together. The citizens of this city are very lucky to have the service they have here, because you won’t find no better.”

Henderson and Vance County may have its fair share of problems. Everywhere does. However, Adams’ last sentence is quite correct. We are lucky to have that type of service and expertise right here in our hometown.

Henderson Police Department to host Night Out Against Crime

In cooperation with the “34th Annual National Night Out” the Henderson/Vance Night Out Against Crime Committee and the Henderson Police Department will be hosting the Henderson/Vance Night Out Against Crime on Breckenridge Street in downtown Henderson on August 1, 2017. The event is scheduled from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM with set-up beginning at 3:00 PM.

The introduction of National Night Out, “America’s Night Out Against Crime”, in 1984 began an effort to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. NATW’s National Night Out program culminates annually, on the first Tuesday of August (In Texas, the first Tuesday of October).

National Night Out now involves over 38.5 million people and 16,500 communities from all fifty states, U.S. Territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide.

The traditional “lights on” campaign and symbolic front porch vigils turned into a celebration across America with various events and activities including, but not limited to, block parties, cookouts, parades, visits from emergency personnel, rallies and marches, exhibits, youth events, safety demonstrations and seminars, in effort to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime efforts, and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, and send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. Events for this year’s Night Out include displays of law enforcement and public safety vehicles and equipment, informational booths for public safety and public health agencies and organizations, and children’s activities.

The Event Coordinator for the Henderson/Vance Night Out Against Crime 2017 is Community Services Sergeant Jessica B. West of the Henderson Police Department. Agencies and organizations involved in public safety and related fields that may be interested in participating in the event may contact Sergeant West at (252) 431-6061 or via email jwest@hendersonncpd.org .

Authority: Marcus W. Barrow, Chief of Police

Henderson, North Carolina Couple Sentenced for Heroin and Firearms Offenses

ELIZABETH CITY – United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina John Stuart Bruce announced that in federal court yesterday, United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced MICHAEL L. MILES and ROSLYN WYNN of Henderson, North Carolina for possession with intent to distribute heroin and firearms charges. MILES was sentenced to 108 months imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute heroin and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. WYNN was sentenced to 5 years of probation for her role in the possession with intent to distribute heroin.

MILES and WYNN were named in a three-count Indictment filed in the Eastern District of North Carolina on June 28, 2016. Count one charged MILES and WYNN with Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Heroin from April 1, 2016, to June 28, 2016.

On May 26, 2016, Henderson Police Department officers executed a search warrant at MILES and WYNN’s house in Henderson, North Carolina. As a result of the search, the following items were seized: a FN Five-seven semi-automatic handgun; a 9 mm firearm; 50 bindles of heroin; multiple rounds of ammunition; a digital scale; ten cell phones; and $4,684 in United States currency. Officers also executed a search warrant at the storage unit rented by WYNN, which resulted in the seizure of approximately 63.44 grams of heroin, a stolen AR-15 semiautomatic rifle, a stolen AK-47 semi-automatic rifle, and ammunition. During an interview with law enforcement, MILES informed officers that he directed WYNN to rent the storage unit on his behalf.

This investigation was part of the Strategic Heroin Initiative, initiated by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina in partnership with the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).

The case was investigated by the Henderson Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF). The federal prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Edward D. Gray.

HPD Crime of the Month: Robbery on East Parker Street

On June 8th, 2017 at approximately 12:40 a.m. officers with the Henderson Police Department responded to 138 East Parker Street in reference to an armed robbery that had just occurred. Upon arrival officers met with the victim, Tanya Williams. Tanya Williams stated that she was robbed at gun point by a black male with a black sweat shirt and black pants while exiting her vehicle at the residence. The suspect was 5 foot 9 inches tall with a slender build.  The suspect fled the area on foot.

The investigation is being conducted by members of the Henderson Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division. If anyone should have any information related to this case, they are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 252-492-1925 or the Henderson Police Department at 252-438-4141. Crime Stoppers offers a reward of up to $2,000 for information that may lead to an arrest. Callers may remain anonymous.

Authority: Chief M.W. Barrow

HPD Crime of the Month: Robbery at The Scottish Inn

On June 8th, 2017 at approximately 11:23 p.m. officers with the Henderson Police Department responded to the Scottish Inn (Room #162) in reference to an armed robbery that had just occurred. Upon arrival officers met with the victims (Willie Hargrove and Calvin Burton). Both subjects stated that they were robbed at gun point by two black males.  The two suspects left on foot in an unknown direction. The suspects may have left the area in a tan in color 4 door Honda Sedan.

The investigation is being conducted by members of the Henderson Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division. If anyone should have any information related to this case, they are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 252-492-1925 or the Henderson Police Department at 252-438-4141. Crime Stoppers offers a reward of up to $2,000 for information that may lead to an arrest. Callers may remain anonymous.

Authority: Chief M.W. Barrow

Two Arrested for String of Vance County Robberies

Press Release- June 13, 2017

On Friday, June 9, 2017, members of the Henderson Police Department Criminal Investigation Division arrested two individuals on armed robbery related charges.

Samika Renee Whitfield, 40, 349 Stagecoach Road, Henderson was charged with three counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon. Whitfield was placed in the Vance County Jail after failing to post a $60,000 secured bond. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled in Vance County District Court on June 26, 2017. 

Alfred Perry, 56, 1524 E. Andrews Avenue, Henderson was charged with three counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon. Perry was also placed in the Vance County Jail after failing to post a $60,000 secured bond.

He also has a preliminary hearing in Vance County District Court on June 26, 2017.

Charges is this matter arrived after an investigation revealed that these two were alleged to have robbed the Dollar General Store located at 718 Raleigh Road on June 3, 2017, The Dollar General located at 1670 N. Garnett Street on June 8, 2017, and the Family Dollar Store located at 112 Raleigh Road on June 9, 2017.

There were no injuries reported during the robbery incidents.

VGCC graduates 11 cadets in school’s 104th BLET Class

Eleven cadets graduated on May 16 from the Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) program at Vance-Granville Community College, in a ceremony held in the Civic Center on Main Campus. After passing the state certification exam, all are authorized to work in any law enforcement agency in North Carolina.

Graduates of VGCC’s 104th BLET class included Jill Nicole McLean of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office; Spencer Reid Warehime of the Granville County Sheriff’s Office; Shawn Maurice Brown, Jr., of the Henderson Police Department; Alonza Kyle Fitts of the Louisburg College Campus Police Department; Jacob Matthew Gardner, Thomas Sellers Marrow and Joshua Taylor Mills, all of the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation; Kevin Wayne Murphy of the Oxford Police Department; Christopher Michael Agamaite of the Roxboro Police Department; Mark Donald McNamara of the San Jose (California) Police Department; and Kirk Richardson of the Warren County Sheriff’s Office.

The ceremony began with a presentation of colors by students from the ROTC program at Northern Vance High School, and the singing of the national anthem by NVHS student Jaylen Webb.

In welcoming remarks, Dr. Angela Ballentine, VGCC’s vice president of academic affairs, thanked the many leaders from local and state law enforcement agencies in attendance for partnering with the college. “We are honored to work with you, and we thank you for supporting our cadets, providing many of our instructors, and hiring our graduates, as together, we promote increased safety and quality of life for the communities we serve,” Ballentine told the law enforcement representatives. “All of today’s graduates are either employed or have at least accepted conditional job offers from law enforcement agencies.” She congratulated the graduates on successfully completing the rigorous, 667-hour training program and encouraged them to continue their education. “I wish you success and safety as you protect and serve all of us,” Ballentine added.

Speaking as leader of the class, Cadet Jill McLean thanked the many instructors who had trained them, as well as the family members and friends who were there to support the graduates. “These past four months have flown by,” McLean reflected. “This class has taught us a lot about ourselves and what it takes to do this job. I could not have asked for a better group of guys to take on BLET with. We are a ‘family’ of eleven. These guys have made my job as class leader extremely easy.”

Graduates selected Sgt. Christopher Dickerson of the Roxboro Police Department, one of their instructors, to serve as their featured speaker. He is a 2006 graduate of the VGCC BLET program. “This profession is the greatest profession in the world,” Dickerson said of law enforcement. He noted that in 2016, a Gallup poll found that Americans had a higher opinion of their local police than in any survey since 1967.  Dickerson recalled, “I asked you why you wanted to be a police officer, as I do in every class. I heard ‘I want to help my community’ or ‘I want to make my family proud.’ Not a single one gave a selfish response, and that’s why you’re here today.”

He asked the graduates to “remember your drive and what put you in this class” and “never forget your first badge. By pinning that badge on your chest, you have joined the largest family in the entire world.”

Andrea Hyson, the training program coordinator, and instructor Glen Boyd presented awards to the top students in the class in three categories. Murphy won the “Top Gun” Award for having the highest accuracy score in firearms qualification. Fitts earned the Physical Fitness Award for scoring highest in the various fitness tests the cadets undergo during physical training. McLean took home the Academic Achievement Award for having the top grade average in the written tests each cadet must pass.

For more information on the BLET program, contact Hyson at hysona@vgcc.edu.

–VGCC–

Vance County Superior Court Session Results in Significant Prison Sentences

Henderson, NCDistrict Attorney Michael Waters, together with Assistant District Attorneys Melissa Pelfrey and Onica Fuller worked through a criminal calendar consisting of cases brought by both the Henderson Police Department and the Vance County Sheriffs Office during a week-long session of Vance County Superior Court which began May 8, 2017, where Superior Court Judge Michael O’Foghludha presided.

Travis Kingsberry received an active prison sentence of Life without Parole in the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Division of Adult Correction (DAC) at the end of a week-long trial where jurors found Kingsberry guilty of First Degree Murder, First Degree Burglary and Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury. The case against Kingsberry stemmed from the 2009 murder of Montrell Alston on Adams Street in Henderson, NC, and was investigated by detectives and patrol officers of the Henderson Police Department under the direction of Chief Marcus Barrow.

Jemel Bullock, a co-defendant of Mr. Kingsberry, received an active prison sentence of 96 to 125 months in the DAC as a result of his plea of guilty to Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon.

Darius Benson, also a co-defendant of Bullock and Kingsberry, was sentenced, pursuant to his plea of guilty, to Voluntary Manslaughter and received an active prison sentence of 71 to 95 months in the DAC. Benson received a mitigated sentence as a result of agreement to testify on behalf of the State against others involved in the 2009 murder of Montrell Alston.

The fourth and final co-defendant of Bullock, Benson and Kingsberry, Alan Gibson, was found guilty of First Degree Murder, First Degree Burglary and Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury by a jury at the end of a trial that began on March 21, 2017. Gibson also received an active prison sentence of Life without Parole in the DAC.

Michael Waters