On Saturday, the 16th day of September, 2023 at around 8:20 a.m. several uniformed members of the Syracuse Police Department responded to 1000 block of North State Street for a report of a shots fired. Upon arrival, the officers located a 27-year-old male victim, who reported that he was shot at by a male while inside of 1022 North State Street.
Information was obtained that a total of three people (one female in her twenties and two teen aged females) were being held against their will, in an apartment, by the suspect, who was armed with a handgun. It was reported that the armed suspect was Leslie T. Henderson (45-year-old male) of Syracuse, New York.
Additional responding officers surrounded the multi-family building and the Emergency Response Team was activated. Liberty Resources was contacted and later responded to the scene to assist in the efforts. The Syracuse Police Department Hostage Negotiation Team members contacted Henderson by phone to foster productive discussions. Several hours of negotiations ensued, during which, the two-teen-aged female victims were released and received by members of the Syracuse Police Department. The victims were found to be unharmed.
At approximately 7:36 p.m. Henderson agreed to release the last hostage and extract himself from the building. Coordinated efforts of the first responders ensured that Henderson and the last remaining hostage exited the multi-family structure without incident.
Henderson and the last hostage were received by members of the Emergency Response Team before being evaluated by medical personnel from American Medical Response. Henderson was treated for an injury to his hand. The last hostage was located in good health, and required no EMS treatment.
Search warrants were obtained and executed at 1022 North State Street. A Smith and Wesson .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun, as well as ammunition, was recovered from the building.
Henderson was transported to the Onondaga County Justice Center where he was lodged on the following New York State Penal Law charges:
• Unlawful Imprisonment (3 counts)
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree
• Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree
As always, anyone with information about the above incident is encouraged to call the Syracuse Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at (315) 442-5222. Anonymous reporting can be rendered through the Syracuse Police Department website located at Syracuse Police by utilizing the tip411 service. To submit a tip, click the “Public Information” tab then select the “Anonymous Tips” tab. We at the Syracuse Police Department would like to thank the community in advance for any and all assistance they can provide.
The information provided herein is based on a preliminary and ongoing investigation, which will continue to evolve as detectives review physical evidence, analyze forensic data, and interview witnesses. The department’s understanding of the facts and circumstances of this case may transform as the investigation unfolds.
