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Hendersonville Police Department
Public Monthly Report
May 2025
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Chief’s Monthly Summary
For much of my career, I have participated in the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run. Together, we have a long and powerful relationship. Still, I never really understood why this partnership was so special—until now…
Since 1968, using the power of sports, the Special Olympics has provided year-round athletic opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. They have created countless chances for athletes to develop physical fitness, individual courage, and camaraderie with family, friends, and other Olympians. The athletes inspire us to be better, give more, and open our hearts.
On Friday, May 2, 2025, we once again ran in the Henderson County leg of the national Law Enforcement Torch Run. We were joined by the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, the NC State Highway Patrol, and the Hendersonville Fire Department. We ran from the new courthouse, down Main Street to Spartanburg Highway, and ended at East Henderson High School. It was a good run.
When we arrived at the finish line we were met by several Special Olympians. We ran once around the track side by side with athletes carrying the torch along the way. We finished at midfield where one of the athletes lit the large stationary torch. One of the Olympians led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, and another led us in prayer. And let me tell you, if their courage did not bring a tear to your eye, nothing will. I was moved.
 Later in the month, we sent a handful of people to Raleigh to run in the last leg of the North Carolina Law Enforcement Torch Run. They joined hundreds of other police officers and special Olympians as they carried the torch to the state capitol building. Several police agencies commented about how far they drove to participate in the run. I am very proud of their commitment to the Special Olympics. They represented Hendersonville well!
On a personal note, my niece was born a couple years ago with Prater Willie Syndrome. Her growth has been remarkable. Her parents and brothers work hard every day to help her grow up big and strong. We are all learning more about special needs and what it takes to help someone live a fulfilled life. I hope one day, if she wants, she can be a Special Olympian too. Experiencing the joy of competition is rewarding for everyone. And, if I can help her on that journey, I certainly will.
Consider donating to the Special Olympics if you feel so compelled. This is a great organization with a wonderful mission. I appreciate it greatly. Remember, we are #OneTeamOneFight.
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Call Statistics
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Calls For Service
Calls Answered: 5,200; –1.06%
Calls Dispatched: 2,696; +1.01%
Traffic Safety
Traffic Stops: 411; +42%
Citations Issued: 255; +9%
DWI Arrests: 5 arrests; -50%
Motor Vehicle Crashes: 104 crashes; –16.8%
Injury Crashes: 9 crashes with injury; -30.8%
Top Five Crash Locations:
- Chimney Rock Rd at Sugarloaf Rd/Francis Rd
- Four Seasons Blvd at Freeman St/Thompson St
- Chimney Rock Rd at Highland Square Dr
- Four Seasons Blvd at Dana Rd/Duncan Hill Rd
- Chimney Rock Rd at Howard Gap Rd
Crimes, Reports, and Arrests
Custodial Arrests: 78; no change
Incident Reports: 109: +16%
Drug Offenses: 49; +29%
Larcenies: 25; -7%
Assaults: 10; -17%
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Employee Actions
- Lieutenant Alan Bonanno graduated from the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command in Atlanta, Ga. This five-month class consisted of executive leadership training designed to introduce students to the concepts used in leadership and management. Lt. Bonanno spent two weeks per month in class while managing his own work/life balance.
- Records Clerk, Sylina Holbrook, received the Kiwanis Club, Caring is Sharing Award. Sylina is instrumental in the functioning of the agency. She has helped implement several important programs and showed her commitment to the agency and its employees during Hurricane Helene.
- Officers attended the annual Taser recertification. This is a requirement for all sworn officers to recertify to carry this less-lethal option.
- Officers attended a scenario-based virtual simulation training where Officers are exposed to a variety of scenarios. This training is designed to enhance decision making skills, Officer-safety tactics, and de-escalation skills. This is an ongoing training program to help officers dealing with complex and stressful situations.
- Justin Dufault accepted a conditional offer to be a police officer. He comes to us from Massachusetts with nine years’ policing experience. He is moving to Hendersonville to be closer to family.
- Chief Myhand attended the IACP Board of Director’s meeting in Alexandria, VA.
- Chief Myhand attended the retirement celebration for FBI Special Agent in Charge, Bob Dewitt. Bob spent 22 years with the Bureau serving on the Hostage Rescue Team and ultimately as the SAC for North Carolina. His next endeavor is as the Compliance Manager for Samaritan’s Purse in Boone, NC.
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Safety Tip – Pets and Warm Weather
To keep pets safe during warmer months, prioritize shade and access to fresh water, avoid leaving them in hot cars, and be mindful of hot surfaces.
A couple of things to remember:
- Never leave pets in cars:
- Temperatures in a parked car can rise drastically, even with windows cracked, leading to dangerous heatstroke.
- Provide shade and water:
- Ensure pets have access to shade and water outdoors, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
- Protect paws from hot surfaces:
- Walk pets on cooler surfaces like grass or avoid walks during the hottest parts of the day if sidewalks are too hot.
- Prevent overheating:
- Keep pets indoors during the hottest parts of the day and provide fans or air conditioning to help them stay cool.
- Grooming:
- Trim or brush out long fur, but do not shave pets, as this can increase their vulnerability to sunburn.
- Preventative measures:
- Stay up to date with flea and tick treatments, and be aware of the potential for sunburn, especially for light-colored pets.
- Monitor for signs of heatstroke:
- Excessive panting, drooling, bright red gums, weakness, and balance problems are all signs to watch out for.
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Complaints and Findings
- A citizen filed a complaint alleging he was falsely arrested. A thorough review of the incident is being conducted.
Vehicle Pursuits and Findings
Use of Reasonable Force (UORF) Incidents and Findings
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Officers attempted to detain a person during a narcotics investigation. The suspect refused to obey lawful commands and attempted to flee. An officer tackled the suspect before taking him into custody without additional force being necessary. There were no injuries to either the suspect or officers. This force used in this incident was found to be lawful, reasonable, and necessary.
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Officers encountered a non-compliant individual who refused to follow lawful commands and actively obstructed a lawful investigation. The suspect physically resisted the Officers when they attempted to detain him. The officers took the individual to the ground without further force being necessary. The suspect was arrested, and no injuries were reported by either the individual or the officers. This force used in this incident was found to be lawful, reasonable, and necessary.
Operations/Notable Events
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Detectives investigated a fraud where the victim gave approximately $65,000 to a scammer who posed as an energy company CEO working in Greece. Detectives identified a possible suspect, but no money has been recovered yet.
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Hendersonville PD assisted the Henderson County Drug Task Force in conducting search warrants as part of a lengthy investigation. Large amounts of money, guns, and illegal narcotics were seized along with more than two dozen arrests.
Budget Summary
Community Outreach/Special Events
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HPD staff joined area law enforcement agencies in the Henderson County Special Olympics Torch Run on Friday, May 2, 2025. The 3-mile run ended at East Henderson High School where with the assistance of Special Olympians, the torch was lit on the 50-yard line.
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Det. Easton, Sgt. Lockhart, 911 Supervisor Kleppe, Lt. Cantwell, and Det. LaRowe, joined hundreds of law enforcement officers from across the state to carry the Flame of Hope from Carter-Finley Stadium through downtown Raleigh to the Capitol on Friday May 30, 2025.
Grants Management
- GHSP Grant – Applied for grant for Overtime Enforcement Activities – Pending Award (Original Application filed in January 2025 – application window is January 1st-31st for the upcoming federal fiscal year)
Recruiting/Retention
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