The City of Henderson will be under a curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. beginning Friday, Jan. 23, in response to several incidents of gun violence that have rocked the city over the past 72 hours.
In an emergency called meeting, Henderson Mayor Melissa Elliott declared the curfew to be in effect from Friday evening through Tuesday, Jan. 27.
The first incident took place on Monday, and several people were injured – including an infant. Three more incidents took place on Tuesday, one on South Garnett Stree, one on Roberson Street and one on Water Street.
Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow said the investigations are ongoing, and his officers, along with help from the SBI, are working to apprehend those responsible. In a press release issued Thursday afternoon, Barrow said the acts are not random; rather, they are “targeted and retaliatory in nature.”
In the Council meeting, Barrow called the incidents “egregious” and said they have identified the individual/s who are involved. He declined to name the suspects, adding that he and his officers are “doing our best to find probable cause to make an arrest.”
Elliott said she has full confidence in the police department. “Our chief and his employees (will) work very hard to apprehend the suspects. I feel like they’ll be in custody before Tuesday,” Elliott said.
Barrow told Council members that he would not be in favor of specifying specific wards on which to impose the curfew but left the final decision to the Council and the mayor.
“We have to do something,” he said. “I’m not saying what that is,” referring to the specifics of the curfew.
Council Member Michael Venable said he felt the original 8 p.m. start time would negatively affect businesses and suggested the start time be moved to 10 p.m.