Charges Filed In Hit-and-Run Connected To Tragic Police Shooting

Rodney Hinton Jr. faces serious charges after allegedly using his car to strike and kill retired Deputy Larry Henderson amidst rising mental health concerns.

Quick Takes

Rodney Hinton Jr. is charged with killing Deputy Larry Henderson in a hit-and-run.
Hinton is held without bond due to public safety concerns.
Henderson was directing traffic for a University of Cincinnati event when struck.
Hinton’s mental health is under scrutiny following his son’s death.

Tragic Incident Near the University

Rodney Hinton Jr., arrested for killing Hamilton County Sheriff’s Deputy Larry Henderson, struck the deputy with his car on May 2. Deputy Henderson was directing traffic for a University of Cincinnati commencement ceremony at the time of the incident. Tragically, Henderson, who had retired in December after 33 years of service, succumbed to his injuries following the collision. The incident occurred near the corner of Martin Luther King Drive and Burnet Woods in Corryville.

Both Hinton and Henderson were rushed to UC Medical Center in critical condition. Deputy Henderson unfortunately did not survive his injuries. Hinton now faces aggravated murder charges and is detained at Clermont County Jail. Judge Tyrone Yates denied bail, noting the risks posed to public safety and emphasizing the necessity for mental health treatment.

Emotional Dynamics in the Courtroom

The courtroom was anything but calm during Hinton’s bond hearing, marked by an outburst from Hinton’s brother. The courtroom chaos reflected the emotional turmoil surrounding this tragedy. Judge Tyrone Yates repeatedly urged the attendees, “Everybody, be calm. We’re going to get through this,” as he handled the hearing proceedings while emphasizing the gravity of the charges. Hinton’s attorney argues for recognition of his client’s compromised mental state due to the trauma of his son’s death.

Rodney Hinton viewed police footage showing his son’s fatal shooting the day before the incident. This has posed significant questions about his mental health during the alleged crime. Meanwhile, the Hinton family remains baffled by the situation, distancing themselves from Hinton’s actions and seeking answers to the circumstances surrounding Ryan Hinton’s death.

Community Remembers Larry Henderson

As Larry Henderson’s family, friends, and colleagues grieve his untimely death, his long tenure at the Sheriff’s Department is fondly remembered. Henderson’s dedication to the force, beginning in 1991, portrayed him as a distinguished figure in Hamilton County. Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey described him as a “tremendous person,” epitomizing the virtues of commitment and service.

At the same time, Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge emphasized the importance of enforcement actions, expressing the necessity of ensuring law and order, especially when officers’ lives are at risk. The community grapples with the loss as investigations continue into both Ryan Hinton’s shooting and Rodney Hinton’s subsequent actions.