Tag Archive for: #hendersonpolicedepartment

Police Arrest 3 On Drug Charges Following Multiple Nuisance Complaints At East Andrews Avenue Residence

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On February 6, 2026, officers with the Henderson Police Department executed a search warrant at a residence located at 853 E. Andrews Avenue following multiple nuisance complaints related to the property.

During the execution of the warrant, officers determined the residence did not have active paid public utility services. However, electrical service had been restored through illegal means. Officers also located evidence indicating narcotic use and other related unlawful activity within the home.

As a result of the investigation, the following individuals, who live at the residence, were charged:

  • Leo Cheatham, 67
  • Donald Hargrove, 71
  • McDonald Williams, 72

Each individual was charged with:

  • Maintaining a Dwelling for Controlled Substance
  • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
  • Interfering with Gas, Electric, and Steam Appliances or Meters

All three individuals were issued a $40,000 secured bond and were remanded to the Vance County Detention Center.

Due to the condition of the residence, a formal complaint has also been forwarded to the City of Henderson Development Services Department for further review.

This remains an active effort to address nuisance properties and improve neighborhood safety and quality of life.

Two-County Car Chase Yields One Arrest, One Stolen Vehicle

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— from Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow

On the morning of February 5, 2026, an officer with the Henderson Police Department attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a 2018 Infiniti Q50 displaying a North Carolina temporary license plate while traveling on Chestnut Street.

The vehicle accelerated rapidly and refused to stop. The driver then began operating the vehicle in a careless and reckless manner while traveling through multiple city streets. The vehicle exited the City of Henderson via Newton Dairy Road and continued driving recklessly through eastern Vance County and into Warren County. Once in Warren County, the pursuing officer was joined by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office.

The pursuit ended on E. Kearney Road in Warren County when the suspect drove off the roadway and into the wood line at the end of the maintained portion of the road. The suspect exited the vehicle and fled on foot into the woods. The Warren County Sheriff’s Office deployed K9 Ivor, and the suspect was apprehended.

The suspect was identified as Savion Antwon Williams (19). The vehicle he was operating had been reported stolen through the Raleigh Police Department. Williams also had outstanding warrants from Raleigh for:

  • Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury
  • Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill (2 counts)
  • Discharging a Firearm into Occupied Property

The Henderson Police Department charged Williams with:

  • Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle
  • Resist, Delay, and Obstruct
  • Felony Speeding to Elude Arrest
  • Injury to Personal Property
  • Careless and Reckless Driving
  • Speeding
  • Fictitious Tag
  • Failure to Maintain Lane Control
  • Failure to Stop at a Duly Erected Stop Sign

Williams received no bond and remains in custody pending upcoming court appearances.

The Henderson Police Department is grateful for the strong partnership with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office and the assistance provided by North Carolina Wildlife Officers during this incident.

String Of Gun-Violence Incidents Prompts Mayor To Declare 5-Day Citywide Curfew Beginning Friday, Jan. 24 At 10 PM

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The City of Henderson will be under a mandatory curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 p.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.

Elliott read the declaration that put in place a state of emergency and subsequent curfew, which will be in effect for all residents. Exceptions include those traveling to and from work, those seeking medical assistance, or those who are seeking food or other commodities necessary to sustain the wellbeing of oneself or family.

Elliott called the emergency meeting for Thursday at 5 p.m. in light of a string of incidents that resulted in several injuries.

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 Street, 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 ward 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.

 

 

 

 

Henderson Police, SBI Investigating Multiple Cases Of Gun-Related Activity With Numerous Victims

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– Press release from Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow
Over the past several days, the City of Henderson has experienced multiple incidents involving gun-related criminal activity, beginning with a reported incident on Wester Avenue on January 20, 2026.
On January 21, 2026, three additional related incidents were reported. At approximately 5:45 p.m., shots were fired in the 1800 block of South Garnett Street Extension. A female seated inside a vehicle in her yard was targeted but was not struck; her vehicle and a neighboring vehicle were damaged by gunfire.
At approximately 7:38 p.m., a female, Katlyn Matthews (28), was struck in the thigh by gunfire while inside a residence in the 600 block of Roberson Street. Later that evening, at approximately 9:37 p.m., a sixteen-year-old female (Juvenile) was struck in the hand by gunfire in the 900 block of Water Street. All injured individuals were transported to area medical facilities and received treatment for their injuries.
The Henderson Police Department, with assistance from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, is actively investigating these incidents. Currently, investigators believe the incidents are targeted and retaliatory in nature and not random acts of violence.
In addition to the information and evidence already collected, The Henderson Police Department is requesting assistance from the public in identifying any individuals who may be directly or indirectly involved. Community cooperation is critical in resolving incidents of this nature.
The Henderson Police Department will utilize all available local, state, and federal resources to identify, locate, and arrest those responsible, as well as any individuals who may have aided or participated in these acts.
Anyone with information related to these incidents is encouraged to contact the Henderson Police Department or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers. Individuals can also message us through Facebook messenger.

City Council Votes To Name Police Department In Memory Of Chief Melvin G. Smith

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In a unanimous decision, the Henderson City Council approved naming the Henderson Police Department in honor of the late chief, Melvin G. Smith.

Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow made the request, which will require no money from the city – the $5,000 estimated to place signs at the front and rear entrances will come from a money generated through the taxation of unauthorized drugs seized locally.

Smith died in July 2025, but Barrow told the Council that he’d been considering the request long before.

Smith was the first Black police officer at the department, joining before the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Barrow said.

“He wasn’t just the first (Black) police officer,” he continued. He was the first sergeant, lieutenant, the first and only African American major, Barrow noted.

“He was the most qualified person for any position he held,” Barrow said. “His 50 percent was better than anybody else’s 100 percent.”

Barrow knew Smith through the Basic Law Enforcement Training classes, when Smith was an instructor and Barrow a student.

“He was kind, thoughtful…he was an educator. He wanted us to learn…He was a tough man, but a fair man.”

Barrow proposes to install a large plaque at the front entrance and a smaller version at the rear entrance – one that officers use and can see and be reminded of Smith’s legacy.

“It’s time,” Barrow said. “The police department needs a name.”

What better name than Melvin G. Smith.

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37-Year-Old Woman Dead In Christmas Eve Shooting; Suspect In Custody

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— press release from Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow

At approximately 7:45 p.m. on December 24, 2025, officers with the Henderson Police Department responded to a reported shooting at 866 Dabney Dr. The incident occurred inside the residence.

Upon arrival, officers located a deceased adult female, identified as Tiffany Lassiter, age 37, who had suffered a gunshot wound. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The suspect, Mahlon Leroy Hebron, age 52, was taken into custody without incident. Information obtained at the scene indicates the suspect and victim were involved in a domestic relationship.

The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under active investigation. No additional details are being released at this time.

Hebron has been charged in connection with the homicide and was remanded to the Vance County Detention Centerwithout bond pending future court proceedings.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact the Henderson Police Department.

Henderson Man Charged In Connection With Hit And Run That Results In Death Of Victim

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– Press Release from Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow
On November 26, 2025, officers with the Henderson Police Department responded to a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle in the area of 1202 E. Andrews Avenue.
Upon arrival, officers determined that Phillip Warren, 56, of Henderson, had exited the vehicle he was operating and was subsequently struck by a white Mazda SUV driven by Benjamin Snelling Jr., 39, of Henderson, North Carolina. The initial investigation indicates a verbal confrontation between the two drivers may have occurred prior to the incident.
Following the collision, Mr. Snelling left the scene prior to law enforcement’s arrival. Mr. Warren was transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment of his injuries.
During the initial investigation, Mr. Snelling was located at his residence and charged with Hit and Run, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and Expired Registration.
On December 11, 2025, the Henderson Police Department was notified by medical personnel that Mr. Warren had passed away. An autopsy was requested to determine the official cause of death, and the cause remains pending completion of the final report from the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Following consultation with the Vance County District Attorney’s Office, charges were upgraded to include Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury. Additional charges may be considered pending the findings of the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
On December 15, 2025, Benjamin Snelling Jr. was located and arrested. He was remanded to the Vance County Detention Center, where he is currently being held without bond. Snelling is scheduled to appear in court on January 13, 2026.
The Henderson Police Department remains active and diligent in its investigation of this matter. Anyone with information related to this incident is requested to contact Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers at 252-492-1925 or submit tips through the P3 Tips app. Information may also be provided directly to the Henderson Police Department at 252-438-4141 or through the department’s official Facebook page.
No further information is available at this time.

Henderson Teen Killed in Dec. 9 Shooting

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— Update Dec. 12, 2025 at 5:17 p.m. —

Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow said via written update:

“As a result of the investigation, a 17-year-old juvenile has been arrested in connection with this incident. The juvenile is currently being held at a Juvenile Detention Facility pending court proceedings. Due to the age of the individual, no further identifying information will be released at this time.

“The Henderson Police Department continues to actively and diligently investigate this case, which remains ongoing.”

— Press Release from Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow — Dec. 11, 2025 at 4:05 p.m.

On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at approximately 1:00 PM, officers with the Henderson Police Department responded to the 600 block of High Street in reference to a reported shooting. Upon arrival, officers located a single victim, identified as Jason Roberts, age 19, of Henderson, who was suffering from a single gunshot wound.

Roberts was transported to a local medical facility for emergency treatment. Despite the immediate and life-saving efforts of an undisclosed citizen, and medical personnel, he succumbed to his injuries.

The Henderson Police Department is actively and diligently investigating this incident. The cooperation of community members has been greatly appreciated and has already proven helpful; however, investigators continue to seek additional information to bring resolution to this case.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers at 252-492-1925 or through the P3 Tips app. You may also contact the Henderson Police Department directly at 252-438-4141 or provide information through our official Facebook or Instagram pages. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for substantial information that assists in solving this case.

Marcus W. Barrow
Chief of Police
Henderson Police Department

One Injured In Gunfire On East Andrews Avenue

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— Press Release from Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow

On Thursday, December 11, 2025, at approximately 3:15 p.m., officers with the Henderson Police Department were dispatched to reports of gunfire in the 500 block of East Andrews Avenue. While responding, officers were notified that a North Carolina State Highway Patrol unit in the area had observed a vehicle fleeing the scene. That vehicle was later determined to be occupied by the victim, who had sustained injuries during the incident.

Preliminary investigation indicates this was an isolated incident, and the victim is believed to have been the intended target of the aggravated assault.

The victim’s identity will not be released at this time. He was transported to a local medical facility for treatment. No additional details regarding his condition or further information related to the incident are available for release at this stage.

The Henderson Police Department is actively and diligently investigating this matter. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers at 252.492.1925 or through the P3 Tips app. Tips may also be provided directly to the Henderson Police Department at 252.438.4141, or submitted through our official Facebook or Instagram pages. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for substantial information that assists in solving this case.

TownTalk: Henderson Police Department Update

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Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow calls himself an “old-school” police officer, but that doesn’t transfer to the officers in his department – he wants the younger officers to bring their technological skills with them – from flying drones to using AI to streamline inter-office guidelines.

“I think we’re probably a step ahead of everybody in the region,” Barrow said on Tuesday’s TownTalk. Besides using facial recognition software to help solve crimes, the city of Henderson also has more FLOC cameras in use than nearby municipalities.

“We’re the smallest agency in the United States to have a NIVEN entry site,” Barrow continued. NIVEN analyzes shell casings to aid in police investigations.

And there are the drones, a tool that he said will most likely continue to grow, based on what he hears at conferences and reads in professional publications.

Mixing in the use of the latest technology means that the department is constantly learning and adapting to new concepts and equipment while maintaining high expectations for police performance.

Each year, the police department must be reaccredited through CALEA, the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. There’s a site visit every four years now, and March 2025 marks the eighth time the police department has received its reaccreditation certificate.

“We’ve been working on accreditation since I got here in 1998,” Barrow said. There are 461 standards to meet.

The CALEA standards include every facet of police work, from swearing in of officers to how arrestees are processed to how documents and other material is stored electronically.

Barrow said Capt. Chris Ball informed him recently that there soon will be two more added to the list – one involving how the department uses AI in its daily duties.

AI can be a very useful tool, but Barrow said he, like others in law enforcement, want to see how the courts system accepts the use of AI.

He said one of the first questions a judge may ask an officer providing testimony is whether his report is in his own words. Of course, an AI-generated report may not satisfy that question, so Barrow said he’d like to see AI used to make something better, not as a replacement for an officer-generated report.

Take policy manuals, for example, he said. A policy manual could be cranked into an AI program and it could quickly spot inconsistencies and redundancies.

That’s using technology in a way that makes things better.

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