10th Mountain Division Assumes Jurisdiction Over Hendricks Case

The 10th Mountain Division assumed jurisdiction in the case of Private Kristopher Hendricks, 23, the Fort Drum soldier accused of injuring a number of other 10th Mountain Division soldiers in Watertown on March 15.

Watertown Police say Hendricks was drunk and driving the wrong way on a one way street hit and injured eight pedestrians.

It happened just before 2 a.m. on Goodale Street.

Hendricks had a blood alcohol content of .10 when he was arrested.

According to police, Hendricks was initially driving through the Watertown City Hall parking lot and struck a parked car.

He then fled the scene of that accident and sped down Goodale Street in the wrong direction.

A large number of people were walking on the sidewalk and in the street leaving the nearby Strand Music Theater bar at the time and were injured by Hendricks.

“Because the victims and the accused are soldiers, the chain of command felt it would be appropriate to handle this case in the military judicial system,” said Major Robert Barnsby, 10th Mountain Division chief of military justice.

“We appreciate the great working relationship with the Jefferson County District Attorney’s office that will enable us to bring a resolution to this unfortunate incident.”

Federal charges have been preferred against Hendricks who is currently being held in the Jefferson County jail pending court-martial.

See our report:

Get the Flash Player to see the wordTube Media Player.