Crime spree has residents afraid to leave home

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Tags:

vance county, robbery, local/state

HENDERSON, N.C. (WTVD) -- Another incident has renewed fears about a crime spree in Henderson. Police said it happened Sunday night at a Food Lion store.

An armed robber stole a victim's cell phone and tried, but failed, to steal her car too, according to authorities.

Henderson police have said a man in his 20s is approaching victims on foot as they exit their cars. Women are being targeted.

Earlier this month, a 35-year-old woman told police someone kidnapped and assaulted her in the downtown area.

The victim said she was getting out of her car when the suspect kidnapped her and forced her to drive to another location where she was assaulted.

Henderson police said the Vance County Sheriff's Office is also investigating a violent carjacking.

"We've had five carjackings county-wide and two sexual assaults," Vance County Sheriff Peter White said. "We have extra manpower out and expect to get to the bottom of it very shortly."

But despite those reassurances from authorities, the community is on edge. Ann Lacy and her daughter, who already keep the door to their tax prep business locked during business hours, worry about the recent violent crimes.

Story: Woman kidnapped, assaulted in Henderson

"Our clients come in and share what they've heard, and there are so many conflicting stories out there that it's scary," Lacy said.

In the meantime, a community forum has been set up for Tuesday to discuss the recent crime spree. An organizer of the forum said he is expecting a large crowd and lots of ideas.

"We, as a community, have to come together and really solve this because law enforcement is not going to be able to do it themselves," said community activist Bryan Hargrove. "It's going to take each and every one of us."

That community meeting will be held Tuesday at 7 p.m. to E.M. Rollins Elementary School.

If anyone has any information related to the crimes, they are encouraged to call the Henderson Police Department at (252) 438-4141 or Crime Stoppers at (252) 492-1925.