By Ray King
A $100,000 bond was set Thursday for a Pine Bluff man currently on parole who is accused of shooting his brother during an altercation in the early morning hours Wednesday.
Pine Bluff District Judge John Kearney set the bond after ruling prosecutors have probable cause to charge Daylen Benjamin, 30, with first-degree battery and with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Reading from an affidavit from Detective Deshawn Bennett, Deputy Prosecutor Beth Carson said police were sent to a reported disturbance at a residence on Old Warren Road where Benjamin’s brother said he and Benjamin had gotten involved in an argument that turned physical. Benjamin reportedly pulled out a handgun and as the two struggled over the gun, it fell to the floor.
Carson said the gun went off three times and Benjamin’s brother was grazed on the right side of his chest by one of the bullets. He then left the scene and his brother said Benjamin did K-2 and was under the influence.
A short time later, officers responded to a report of gunshots at an apartment complex a short distance away and found Benjamin holding a handgun that he initially refused to drop but finally did and he was taken into custody.
Bennett reported that officers located three spent shell casings and a live round, and a witness told officers they heard gunshots and looked over the railing of the apartment building where they saw a man shooting.
Court records showed that Benjamin was previously convicted of residential burglary and theft of property. In addition to the new allegations, the Department of Community Corrections has issued an absconder warrant and a parole hold on Benjamin.
He was ordered to have no contact with his brother until the case is settled.
