ABBEVILLE, Ala. (WDNews) — The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is promising a stronger law enforcement presence after fights, objects thrown at patrol vehicles and gunfire were reported during Abbeville Homecoming weekend.
According to Henry County Sheriff Eric “EB” Blankenship, more than a dozen law enforcement units worked throughout Friday night’s homecoming events in an effort to maintain a visible presence and keep people safe.
“Our goal was simple: take a proactive approach, maintain a visible presence, and make sure everyone had the opportunity to enjoy themselves and get home safely,” Blankenship said.
Blankenship said Friday night included several positive conversations with residents about ways law enforcement and the community can work together while allowing people to gather and celebrate safely.
He said the atmosphere changed Saturday night.
“Members of the crowd became increasingly disrespectful toward law enforcement—chanting profanities at officers and throwing objects at patrol vehicles,” Blankenship said. “Then the situation escalated further. Fights broke out, and eventually gunshots began ringing out in the crowd.”
Blankenship said residents, families and business owners should not have to accept violence as a normal part of community events.
“The good, hardworking, law-abiding residents of the City of Abbeville do not deserve this,” he said. “They should not have to worry about gunfire while sitting in their homes.”
The sheriff acknowledged that the department’s budget does not allow more than a dozen officers to patrol Abbeville every night, but said additional resources will be used when needed.
“We will do what we need to do to make a statement,” Blankenship said.
He said the sheriff’s office will continue working with other law enforcement agencies, increase enforcement efforts when necessary and target people involved in violence, illegal drugs and other criminal activity.
“Our stance on violence and illegal drugs is ZERO TOLERANCE,” Blankenship said.
Blankenship said people who want to gather with friends and enjoy community events should be able to do so safely.
“But if you choose to bring guns, violence, illegal drugs, or criminal behavior into our communities, you should expect to see us,” he said.
The sheriff said the issue goes beyond one weekend or one event and affects families throughout Henry County.
“We are not going to surrender our streets to violence,” Blankenship said. “We are not going to allow illegal drugs to destroy our communities. And we are not going to wait until someone gets hurt or killed before we take action.”
Blankenship said deputies will continue taking a proactive and visible approach to enforcement.
“Violence and illegal drugs have no place in Henry County. Period,” he said.
