Published: October 08, 2008 11:23 am      

JPD investigates shooting, nabs trio of burglary suspects

By Cristin Ross

cross@jacksonvilleprogress.com

Jacksonville police continue to investigate a Sept. 30 shooting on Loop 456.

Police reports indicate Jacksonville resident Paul Travis, 32, shot Sean Lee Benton, 37, of Fort Worth for allegedly stealing diesel fuel from Travis’ place of business.

The Daily Progress’s attempts to contact Travis on Tuesday were unsuccessful.

According to Jacksonville police officials, Travis reported he discovered Benton, a former employee of Hubert Glass Oil Company, in the process of stealing fuel about 7:50 p.m. Sept. 30. When Travis confronted him, Benton allegedly got into his vehicle and drove toward Travis, who produced a handgun and fired. Travis struck Benton twice and his vehicle multiple times.

Benton fled the scene and sought medical treatment at a Palestine hospital, according to police reports.

Jacksonville Detective Jason Pierce said Benton is suspected of stealing about $15,000 worth — 3,500 gallons — of fuel from Travis’ company, Glass Oil Company, since mid-August.

“Benton did not return his employee card upon leaving the oil company’s employ,” Price said.

Police said they suspect Benton has been selling the fuel for cash.

JPD officers have not made any arrests in the incident as yet.

“(Benton) had declined to cooperate with law enforcement, but we are continuing to investigate the entire matter of the theft and the incident occurring on Sept. 30,” Price said.

Pending further investigation, Benton could be charged with felony theft and Travis could face aggravated assault charges, according to police.



Three arrested, suspected

of home burglary

Jacksonville Detective Javier Guerra arrested two adults and one juvenile in connection with at least two recent burglaries in Jacksonville.

Investigators arrested Fredrick Hinton, 19, of Jacksonville and Desiree Chumbley, 18, of Jacksonville, and a juvenile, after finding them hiding in a closet inside a home in the 400 block of Kickapoo Street. Officers charged all three with burglary of a habitation.

Police received the call from a neighbor who had witnessed the trio kick in the home’s side door and enter.

“Detectives observed several electronic items placed in black trash bags at the scene,” Price said. “Swift response of patrol officers allowed the apprehension of these individuals.”

Upon questioning, police reported Hinton told officers he and the juvenile were responsible for a recent burglary of a barber shop in the 300 block of Main Street.

Both teens were arraigned Tuesday morning. Chumbley remained in the Cherokee County Jail in lieu of $25,000 bond, as of Tuesday afternoon.

Hinton remained in the Jacksonville Municipal Jail, pending further investigation into the burglary of the business. His bond for the burglary of a habitation charge was set at $20,000.

The juvenile was transported to the Anderson County Juvenile Facility.