Hendersonville Police Department
Public Monthly Report

September 2025

Chief’s Monthly Summary 

Two months ago, I wrote to you about the resolution the International Association of Chiefs of Police put out regarding violent rhetoric from public figures. Our efforts to calm the divisiveness in our country could not have been more timely given the recent events in our  nation. I am deeply saddened by the violence we see almost daily. What will tomorrow bring? 

Imagine what would happen if two strangers met in the produce section of the local grocery store. I bet they might talk about whether the bananas are too green or too yellow. Maybe how much organic vegetables cost? I doubt they would even think about the other person’s beliefs, aside from fruits and vegetables of course. Would those same two people, given a different and polarizing setting, be immediately at odds with each other? I want to believe not, but discord between strangers seems common today. 

We have difficulty simply “agreeing to disagree.” Instead, we are compelled somehow to express our feelings, often resulting in public condemnation of others. And, while one might not act on one’s own “disagreement,” others might. Impressionable people are often radicalized by the rhetoric of an influential person. That radicalization can become the catalyst for violent action. 

The responsibility of the police is to protect society. We ask not about your political affiliation, the balance in your bank account, or who your partner is. Instead, we respond to everyone’s call for help regardless. We just ask that you call out and condemn violent rhetoric. Stand up for other people. Stop bullying, especially online. We should all embrace this posture. 

NBC News recently published an article citing the resolution that the IACP approved. You can read it here: Police chiefs sound alarm over 'disturbing rise in rhetoric,' cite rising political threats
It underscores our message. We have a moral duty to stop attacking each other for our differing beliefs; like them or not. Sadly, social media makes it far too easy for people to “say” whatever they want with no fear of consequences. This is a slippery slope that only promotes division.  

Ultimately, we are obligated to help maintain our civilized society. We are responsible for protecting all people whether they be riders on a train, patrons at beachfront restaurant, or engaged in difficult conversations. Be a protector rather than a bully. Violence will never stop if we continue to tolerate it. Thanks for listening. I appreciate you. 

One Team, One Goal. #MountainExcellence

Call Statistics

% change describes the data compared to the previous month's numbers

Calls For Service

• Calls Answered: 5,040; +0.99% 

• Calls Dispatched: 2,642; -1.13% 

Traffic Safety

• Traffic Stops: 266; -13.4% 

• Citations Issued: 107; -41% 

• DWI Arrests: 7; no change 

• Motor Vehicle Crashes: 111; +13.3% 

• Injury Crashes: 6; -25% 

Top Five Crash Locations:

1. Chimney Rock Rd at Howard Gap Rd

2. Chimney Rock Rd at Sugarloaf Rd/Francis Rd 

3. King St at 6th Ave E 

4. Chimney Rock Rd/Four Seasons at Orrs Camp Rd/Carolina Village Rd 

5. Chimney Rock Rd at Highland Square Dr 

Crimes, Reports, and Arrests

• Custodial Arrests: 80; -20% 

• Incident Reports: 128; +14% 

• Drug Offenses: 26; -56% 

• Larcenies: 38; -14% 

• Assaults: 17; +42% 

Employee Actions

• Parking Services Manager, Kristen Narron, was recognized as our 2025 Hunter Auto Group Hometown Hero. Kristen exemplifies unwavering commitment and leadership every day. She is dedicated, attentive, and innovative. She embodies a spirit of service and collaboration that defines the Hendersonville Police Department. We are honored to recognize her through this respected program. 

• Lt. Matt Capps graduated from the prestigious FBI National Academy. This ten-week executive management program takes place in Quantico, Va., and is completely funded by the federal government. Lt. Capps joins a long list of Hendersonville Police Department executives to have completed this program. 

• The North Carolina Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates held a board of director’s meeting at the police department on September 11, 2025.  

• The department hosted its first, in many years, employee appreciation event at the Laura E. Corn Mini-Golf course. Employees and their families gathered for food, mini golf, and fellowship. 

• City leadership hosted a one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene for all city staff. It was an opportunity to express a deep appreciation for the work everyone put in in the days, weeks, and months following the storm. 

Safety Tip – Cybersecurity Awareness Month

We want to remind everyone of the importance of maintaining a strong cybersecurity presence online.  

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and the Hendersonville Police Department is proud to join this international effort to keep our people, data, and systems safe online. This year’s theme, Building a Cyber Strong America, highlights the importance of protecting our critical infrastructure and staying resilient against cyber threats. 

You can help by taking four simple steps: 

• Update software promptly and enable automatic updates. Don’t click “remind me later.” Updates often patch vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit.  

• Use strong passwords with a password manager. Create passwords with at least 16 characters, random (mixed case letters, numbers, symbols), and unique for every account. 

• Turn on multifactor authentication (MFA) wherever available. MFA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. 

• Recognize and report phishing—don’t click suspicious links or attachments. If you spot a scam, use the platform’s “Report Phishing” tool.  

Stronger communities start with strong cybersecurity. Learn more at: www.cisa.gov/cybersecurity-awareness-month  

Complaints and Findings

• A citizen alleged that an officer spoke rudely during a civil matter between the complainant and a business owner. A review of the incident concluded that the complaint was sustained. 

• A citizen complained that officers were operating their vehicles recklessly. A thorough review of the incident was conducted, and the complaint was determined to be unfounded. 

Vehicle Pursuits and Findings

• An officer stopped to assist a motorcyclist who the officer determined was impaired. The suspect quickly sped away before crashing into a vehicle. The suspect was transported to the hospital for medical treatment. The suspect has been charged with multiple violations of the law. There were no other injuries in this incident. This pursuit was reviewed and found to be within Hendersonville Police Department policy and all applicable laws.  

Use of Reasonable Force (UORF) Incidents and Findings

• While conducting a foot patrol on Main Street, an officer encountered a suspect riding a bicycle on a busy sidewalk. The suspect physically resisted after refusing to comply with the officer’s lawful command. The officer used soft hand techniques to take the suspect into custody. This use of force was reviewed and found to be lawful, reasonable, and necessary. 

• Officers arrested a suspect for assault. When officers tried to place the suspect into the patrol vehicle, the suspect violently resisted. Officers used soft hand techniques and joint manipulation to gain control of the situation and secure the suspect in the vehicle. There were no injuries. This use of force was reviewed and found to be lawful, reasonable, and necessary.  

• Officers encountered a suspect during a domestic violence investigation. The suspect hindered the investigation by not allowing officers to check on the welfare of the victim. The suspect violently resisted, and one officer tased the suspect as a result. Officers took the suspect into custody without further force being applied. The suspect was treated on the scene by EMS. No officers were injured. This use of force was reviewed and found to be lawful, reasonable, and necessary.  

• While conducting a foot patrol of Martin Luther King Park, an officer observed a suspect attempting to assault another person. The suspect refused to comply with the officers’ commands to stop and began to threaten the officer and surrounding people. A second officer grabbed the suspect from behind and forced the suspect to the ground. The suspect was arrested with no further force necessary. The suspect sustained a minor abrasion to the ankle that was treated by EMS. One officer sustained minor abrasions to their knees that did not require medical treatment. This use of force was reviewed and found to be lawful, reasonable, and necessary.  

• An officer arrested a suspect for larceny and transported that suspect to the Henderson County Jail. Inside the jail, the suspect became combative and assaulted an officer. The officer used soft hand techniques to take the suspect to the ground. The suspect sustained a minor abrasion to his finger and was treated by jail staff. The officer was not injured. This matter is currently under review.  

Operations/Notable Events 

• Detectives investigated an allegation of statutory rape of a 15-year-old female. The suspect was identified and ultimately charged with statutory rape, indecent liberties with a minor, and second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. The male suspect was arrested and turned over to the Henderson County Detention Center. 

• A victim reported sending over $400,000 to someone online. The FBI is assisting in the investigation, and a suspect has been identified.  

• The allegation of sexual assault by a Boys and Girls Club employee was unfounded. Detectives found no evidence to support the allegation and have since closed the case with all leads exhausted. 

Community Outreach/Special Events

• HPD started the month with the annual Apple Festival Parade, which turned out to be one of the most attended parades yet. 

• Employees participated in the annual 9/11 memorial ceremony at the Historic Henderson County Courthouse. This annual event commemorates the lives lost on September 11, 2001. 

• Rhythm and Brews Concert Series was held on September 18, 2025. Please note that October 16 will be the last concert of the 2025 season. 

• Light the Night 828 Event at Hendersonville High School hosted several hundred high school and middle school students. This year’s event focused on youth drug addiction and prevention education through real stories and testimonies. Volunteers from local churches, schools, counselors, and law enforcement shared how the power of community, faith, and education can help overcome experiences and situations that can lead to substance abuse. 

• Downtown Hendersonville hosted the annual Art on Main event, which is one of the oldest art shows in western NC. The 2024 event was cancelled due to Hurricane Helene. 

• Chief Myhand, Sergeants Capps and Smith, and City of Hendersonville Safety Officer, Steve Alverson, went “Over the Edge” for Special Olympics. The four rappelled down the side of a nineteen-story building in downtown Raleigh. In total, $175,000 was raised for Special Olympics North Carolina. 

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Budget Summary

• We are approximately 27% through the fiscal year. 

• We have spent or reserved $1,493,495 or 19% of our budget. 

• View the City of Hendersonville Budget Dashboard

Grants Management 

• There are no active grants in progress. 

Recruiting/Retention

• 0 of 14 non-sworn employee vacancies exist. 

• 5 of 47 Police Officer vacancies exist. 

  • (13) applications received 

  • (5) in background 

  • (0) conditional offer made 

  • (0) rejected 

  • (2) withdrawn 

Learn more about employment with the Hendersonville Police Department.