BENSON POLICE DEPARTMENT
303 EAST CHURCH STREET
BENSON, NC 27504
TELEPHONE 919-894-3616 FAX 919-207-1993
- - -PRESS RELEASE- - -
July 18, 2005
On Saturday, July 16th, at approximately 10:57 PM, a structure fire at 311 A West Harnett Street was reported to the Benson Police Department. Officers responded to the scene to assist the Fire Department, and while there, learned that the fire was started when someone threw a burning can filled with gas at the residence.
A police investigation into the incident began, and a suspect was quickly identified and apprehended. Upon questioning the suspect and witnesses, it was determined that the burning can was thrown in retaliation for an earlier altercation.
The suspect, James Bradley (B/M-49), of 402 West Harnett Street in Benson, was subsequently charged with three (3) counts of Attempted First Degree Murder, and one (1) count of First Degree Arson. He was taken to the Johnston County Jail, where he remains, under no bond.
No injuries were sustained, and little damage was done to the structure by the flaming gas. For any additional information regarding this incident, contact Chief Kenneth Edwards at the Benson Police Department.