*****Press Release***** *****Arrest*****
On September 17th, 2019, at approximately 7:37 p.m. Village of Ilion Police and the New York State Police (who were assisting Ilion PD) had located an individual named Eric L. Henderson (age 34, of 28 West Street, Ilion) sitting within the driver's seat of a motor vehicle parked at the Ilion McDonald's parking lot. There was an active felony arrest warrant for Eric L. Henderson; who was being sought by Ilion Police for four counts of Rape in the third degree, and four counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. While attempting to execute the arrest warrant, Eric L. Henderson attempted to flee the scene after intentionally backing into a marked Village of Ilion Police vehicle. After smashing into the marked police vehicle, Eric L. Henderson narrowly missed striking several law enforcement officers, who were approaching the suspect's vehicle within the parking lot. The suspect then sped away from the Ilion McDonald's parking lot; fleeing west bound onto East Clark Street. He continued west bound onto West Clark Street, where he struck an on-coming uninvolved motor vehicle head-on. The suspect then exited the vehicle, and attempted to flee the scene on foot. After a short foot chase, Eric L. Henderson was apprehended by Ilion Police and members of the New York State Police, along with a New York State Police K-9 unit. While in the process of arresting Eric L. Henderson (who was actively resisting arrest) another individual identified as Chandler Z. Seelbach (age 24, of 9 Bridge Street, St. Johnsville) approached law enforcement on foot, and attempted to obstruct and interfere with the arrest of Henderson. Both Henderson and Seelbach were subsequently arrested and taken into custody by law enforcement. At this time, Chandler Z. Seelbach has been charged with Obstructing Governmental Administration in the second degree, and Resisting Arrest. He was arraigned within the Village of Herkimer Justice Court, and remanded to the Herkimer County Correctional Facility in lieu of $2,500 cash or $5,000 bond. Eric L. Henderson is presently facing multiple additional charges, in addition to the four counts of Rape in the third degree, and four counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. At this time, Eric L. Henderson is awaiting arraignment within the Village of Herkimer Justice Court. A follow-up press release will be provided concerning the additional charges and the arraignment status of both individuals. The operator of the on-coming uninvolved motor vehicle was transported by Ilion Ambulance to St. Elizabeth's Hospital. Due to his injuries, he is presently being transferred to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse. A passenger who had been in the vehicle with the suspect Eric L. Henderson, was transported by MOVAC Ambulance to St. Elizabeth's Hospital. He appears to have minor injuries. Prior to his arraignment, Eric L. Henderson was transported by MOVAC Ambulance to St. Elizabeth's Hospital, where he was treated and released for minor injuries. A portion of West Clark Street was closed temporarily while Ilion Police conducted their investigation. At this time, the investigation is on-going and new details will be provided when available. The Ilion Police were assisted by the New York State Police, a New York State Police K-9 Unit, and members of the New York State Police Special Investigation Unit. Ilion Police were also assisted by the Ilion Fire Department, the Ilion Ambulance, the Frankfort Fire Department Ambulance, MOVAC Ambulance, and the Herkimer County District Attorney's Office.