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Baltimore Police Department Names New Public Enemy No. 1

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The hunt is on. Baltimore City has a new public enemy #1. Police say Charles Henson killed a man and then set his home on fire in northwest Baltimore. Now he's still on the loose.

Rick Ritter has more on the suspect's past.

We learned the suspect has a violent history and was arrested as part of a major drug ring last summer. Now he's wanted for first degree murder and police believe he's hiding on city streets.

Baltimore's most wanted man is behind a brazen murder in broad daylight and is now the city's new public enemy number one.

"It is very scary to have somebody on the loose like that," said Patricia Giles.

On January 28, police say 22-year-old Charles Henson confronted Davon Johnson along Walbrook Avenue in northwest Baltimore. In a dispute gone wrong, Henson shot the 28-year-old point blank, killing him in the middle of the street.

Neighbors are left shaking.

"It's terrifying, really, to even think that someone would do something like that to someone," Giles said.

Henson's been on the run since, intimidating the victim's family from giving up information.

"Charles Henson today has become the target of the Baltimore police department," said Commissioner Anthony Batts.

Just a few days ago, the victim's home was set on fire in northwest Baltimore---a fire police believe was started by Henson.

Luckily, detectives moved Johnson's family into witness protection just before the fire.

Councilman Nick Mosby calls it a horrific crime.

"This public enemy number one---it's just another example of a person with a very violent past who committed a very heinous act," Mosby said.

One in desperate need of the community's help.

"It's critically important that we band together as a community and we come together to say enough is enough," Mosby said.

To get the city's most dangerous man off its streets.

"If you're listening to me, and I'll make this clear to you, Mr. Henson, turn yourself in," Batts said.

Detectives say they've been on Henson's trail with help from the US Marshal's service. They believe people are helping him hide. Anyone involved with Henson will face charges, as well.

Henson is the agency's fourth public enemy number one.

If you have any information, call Baltimore police at 410-396-2100.

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