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PBSO: Shooting victim pointed gun at deputy

Posted at 8:19 PM, Jan 16, 2016
and last updated 2016-01-17 09:45:55-05

The victim in Saturday's deputy-involved shooting in Belle Glade has been identified as 19-year-old Henry Bennett.

Palm Beach County Sheriff's office said in a statement released Saturday evening that Bennett pointed a gun at a deputy during a foot chase following a routine traffic stop shortly after 11 a.m. "The deputy shouted 'stop', 'stop', 'get on the ground', as he followed after the driver," PBSO said in the release. "In fear for his life, the deputy discharged his firearm, striking the driver twice." Bennett was pronounced dead on scene. 

The deputy involved is currently on paid administrative leave in keeping with department protocol. The shooting is under investigation by PBSO's Violent Crimes Division, as well as investigators from the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office. 

Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said during a news conference Saturday afternoon that the victim had been pulled over for a traffic stop Saturday morning and that he carried a gun.

"As soon as [the deputy] put on the blue lights, the car eased into a driveway area, the door came open and an individual came out of the vehicle with what appeared to be a firearm," said Sheriff Ric Bradshaw.

Bradshaw said the gun recovered near Bennett is either a 9mm or 45 automatic.

Bennett's family says he was down to earth.

"Average young man, how young people is, they like to have a lot of fun," said Bennett's maternal grandfather, James Mitchell.

Bennett's paternal grandfather, Henry Bennett, added, "He was just like the average kid, would get into some child's play cause he's still young."

The sheriff pointed out that Bennett has an extensive rap sheet, including aggravated assaults, possession of illegal drugs, and had been a suspect in a child abuse case in which he's had restraining orders filed against him.

The sheriff says investigators will be reviewing dash cam video from the incident.

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