Off-Duty NYPD Cops Stop Arson Attempt at MLK Birthplace in Atlanta
Two off-duty NYPD officers are credited with helping stop a woman who was trying to set fire to the Martin Luther King Jr. birthplace in downtown Atlanta. Two tourists intervened, and then the officers detained the woman until Atlanta officers arrived.
Two off-duty New York City police officers visiting Georgia thwarted a woman’s attempt Thursday to set fire to the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr., a historic site in downtown Atlanta.
Atlanta Police Chief Darrin Shierbaum described the home as a “jewel of the city” and told FOX5 that two tourists from Utah noticed the woman dousing the plants, porch, and front door of the home with what smelled like gasoline. Those tourists stepped in to stop the woman as she was trying to ignite a lighter.
The two NYPD officers were nearby and quickly responded to detain the woman.
Video shared with the Atlanta television station shows the woman using what appears to be a gas can as she dumps the suspected gasoline onto the home. That same video shows the NYPD officers detaining the suspect until Atlanta officers arrived.
Laneisha Shantrice Henderson, 26, was arrested and charged with arson in the 2nd degree and interfering with government property.
"Fortunately, the attempt was unsuccessful thanks to the brave intervention of Good Samaritans and the quick response of law enforcement. Our prayers are with the individual who allegedly committed this criminal act,” a statement from the King Center said.
More Patrol

PositionPTT & Pryme Combine Communication Technologies to Deliver Distracted Driving Compliance
Pryme Radio Accessories and hardware/software maker PositionPTT join forces to advance hands-free communications and ensure Department of Transportation compliance using an integrated system of push-to-talk platforms, devices, and audio equipment.
Read More →
Justice Department Releases $25M in Law Enforcement Grants & Resources
The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services has just released $25 million in new grant Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) to support law enforcement. The recently released NOFOs include the Safer Outcomes: Enhancing Crisis Response Training for Law Enforcement Program and other grant programs.
Read More →
What Makes a Laptop Rugged or Fully Rugged?
What separates a rugged laptop from a fully rugged one? In this video, two Panasonic Connect experts explain the military testing, IP ratings, durability standards, and real-world features that help law enforcement officers rely on their computers in any environment.
Read More →
Avon Technologies Appoints Vasilios Brachos as Team Wendy President
Longtime ballistic helmet leader Vasilios Brachos has been selected to guide the next chapter of protection, innovation, and growth at Team Wendy.
Read More →
Brinc Raises $125M to Put a 911 Response Drone on Every Police and Fire Station Roof
The latest round of funding, $125 million, can help fuel Brinc’s mission to deploy 911-response drones at the 80,000 police and fire stations across the United States.
Read More →
Garmont Tactical Contact Collection: New Duty Boots for Law Enforcement
Choosing the right duty boot can make a significant difference during long shifts. In this video overview, Kyle Ferdyn, of Garmont Tactical, introduces the new Contact Collection, designed specifically for law enforcement professionals seeking comfort, traction, and durability.
Read More →
Benchmade Launches Taiga Green Bailout
Benchmade has launched its Taiga Green Bailout, which features an anodized aluminum handle, S90V stainless steel, and Burnt Copper hardware accents.
Read More →
Adept Armor Launches the Nova Titanium Combat Helmet: A Metal Ballistic Helmet at Composite-Helmet Weight
Adept Armor said its new Nova Titanium combat helmet delivers rated 9mm protection at 920 grams all-in, low backface deformation, edge-to-edge coverage, and an indefinite shelf life at roughly a quarter the price of premium polyethylene helmets.
Read More →
5.11 Expands Professional Services Line with Premium, Performance-Driven Scrubs Designed for Healthcare Professionals
The launch of high-performance medical scrubs marks another major expansion of 5.11’s growing Professional Services category, enabling hospitals and healthcare systems to outfit a wide range of roles.
Read More →
SOG Knives Unveils 250th Anniversary Limited Edition Fixed Blade
SOG Knives has debuted its 250th Anniversary Limited Edition SEAL FX Fixed Blade, and only 250 are available. It features an advanced 4.3-inch S35VN steel blade and a tough glass-reinforced nylon handle.
Read More →