Mount Pleasant residents voiced strong concerns at the latest City Council meeting regarding an incident on May 18th, when a man on a motorcycle drove onto the sidewalk in front of the Henry County Courthouse, narrowly missing a crowd of more than 50 people.
Although no one was injured, the event left many shaken. Three months later, with an investigation still ongoing and no arrest made, frustrations were brought forward at City Hall.
According to comments shared during the meeting, a suspect has been identified, but authorities have faced significant challenges due to limited video evidence. The only footage available came from a courthouse security camera, which one resident described as “blurred” and positioned too far away to capture clear details.
“The person could be seen coming onto the sidewalk and exiting, but the camera was so far away you could only tell it was a large motorcycle and likely a man,” the speaker explained. “That’s not enough to identify someone.”
The resident also highlighted that no other city cameras were located along Washington Street, Adam Street, or near the Grange Hall, where the motorcycle was last seen. This lack of surveillance, they argued, leaves the public vulnerable.
“What if someone had gotten seriously injured?” they asked. “The police department has now spent three months investigating this. The cost in man hours alone likely exceeds what it would cost to have proper cameras in place.”
Another major concern raised was the absence of a public statement from city officials. The resident noted that aside from brief coverage the following day on KILJ Radio, little has been shared with the community.
“This was not just a little thing that happened,” they continued. “Your child or grandchild could have been there. People feel unprotected, and because nothing has been said, there’s a fear this could inspire others to act similarly. We need to know that our city leaders have our backs.”
When pressed for comment, council members did not respond, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
The call for improved public safety measures, including additional cameras in high-traffic areas, is expected to remain a topic of discussion in the weeks ahead.