West Barnstable Resident to Police: 'How Dangerous Is It?'

Concerned West Barnstable residents, who live in the neighborhood where a targeted shooting on Willow Street left a dog dead, asked two Barnstable Police detectives and the Chief of Police about safety and the investigation in a special meeting Tuesday night. 

Police told residents there is not a safety issue in the neighborhood and they have a few leads on suspects, but have not found the shooter.

In an unusual meeting requested by a resident - the detectives said they usually do not hold meetings and give out information about on-going investigations - residents used their opportunity to ask about safety, as well as the connection between Daniel Henson, owner of 475 Willow St. where the shooting took place on March 16, and the incident.

The very quiet neighborhood, described as one of the nicest in town by police, was overwhelmed when they learned of the shooting. 

The residents' top two concerns were getting to the bottom of the incident and safety. 

Beyond asking questions about the investigation like how far the K-9 trail led, if there were any leads on suspects, what types of activity should they look for and report - residents also inquired about Henson's activities at his home, which included housing a level 3 sex offender in 2009 and a break-in in October 2010, and what connection they may have to this crime.

Overall, a few of the 18 or so residents in attendence seemed concerned about Henson bringing in trouble to the neighborhood.

"How dangerous is it," a resident asked in regard to neighborhood safety.

Police Chief Paul MacDonald, Detective Lt. Sean Balcom and Detective Sgt. John Murphy were adamant that the shooting was a targeted attack and if there was a threat to residents' safety there would be a constant police force in the neighborhood like there is on Fresh Holes.

"Help us help ourselves," resident Mary Conklin said in regard to figuring out a way to help people feel safe in the neighborhood again. Many residents said their kids are afraid and parents are afraid to let them walk to the bus stop.

Police said anyone who feels there is an emergency should call 911 without hesitation. They also advised "not feed the rumor mill" and let the mind run rampant with "what ifs."

A resident in the close knit neighborhood said it has had a great response from police including random patrols and communication with officers about what is happening.

On a road that only has one way in and one way out, the community is very aware of who comes and goes. They were encouraged to report any unusual behavior.   

As to the actions of Henson, police said there is absolutely no indication the sex offender is related to the shooting, but are not dismissing any possible link between the break-in and the shooting.

What's more, police did not refute or confirm that a member of the Henson family was set to testify in an open court case on Monday after a neighbor asked police if it was true. 

Police said Henson has worked with the department of corrections and has housed a person with criminal history, they are looking into connections Henson may have made with people in the past.

At the time of the shooting, only Henson's wife and two children were said to be living in the house.

Willow Street resident Hugh Sweeney recounted the evening of the shooting. He said he heard six gun shots, then a pause and three more shots. Sweeney said from his bedroom, which he estimated to be about 50 to 75 yards from the Henson's property, he was wide awake listening to the activity, but eventually convinced himself it was firecrakers. 

Around 4:45 a.m. that morning, police arrived to find evidence of gunfire and a rottweiler dead from two gun shots near the front step of Henson's home. *Police also confirmed Henson fired shots back at the suspect and at the time of the shooting Henson's license to carry a firearm was expired.

Police said the K-9 tracked a scent through the backyard of the Henson's through the woods to Route 6. Read the breaking news story .

*Updated 8:44 a.m. Wednesday, March 23.