Benson Shooting: Three Injured in Convenience Store Massacre
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Benson Shooting Leaves Three Injured, Police Seek Witnesses
A sudden and violent shooting in the small community of Benson has left one person in critical condition, with CPR underway, and two others wounded. The incident, which occurred late on Friday night, has prompted an immediate law‑enforcement response and a call to the public for information. Local authorities are still piecing together the chain of events and identifying the suspect, if one can be found.
Incident Overview
At approximately 7:30 p.m. on Friday, a gun was fired inside a convenience‑store‑type shop on Main Street in Benson. Witnesses described a chaotic scene in which an unknown individual—later identified by police as a male in his mid‑30s—brandished a handgun and discharged multiple rounds. The store, which is open 24 hours, houses a pharmacy and a small food court. According to police dispatch logs, the shooter entered the premises, pointed the weapon at several customers, and began shooting in rapid succession.
The shots struck at least three people, including a 32‑year‑old man who was rushed to a nearby medical facility with CPR in progress. The victim’s name has not yet been released by the hospital, but officials confirmed that he is in a critical but stable condition. Two other patrons were also wounded; their injuries are described as “critical” in the preliminary police statement. Both patients were transported to the same hospital where they are receiving emergency care.
Victim Details and Medical Response
Emergency medical responders were on scene within minutes of the shooting. Firefighters and EMTs from the Benson Fire Department performed basic life‑support measures before airlifting the critically injured 32‑year‑old to the regional trauma center. The ambulance crew began CPR upon arrival, and the patient’s heart rate was stabilized through advanced life‑support interventions.
The other two wounded individuals were also air‑lifted to the same facility. While their exact medical status remains confidential, hospital staff confirmed that they are “in a critical but stable” state. A spokesperson for the hospital, Dr. Maria Torres, told reporters that the patients will remain in the ICU for the next 48 hours for monitoring and treatment of their injuries.
Police Response and Investigation
The Benson Police Department immediately dispatched units to the scene upon receiving a 911 call. Officers canvassed the surrounding area, collected statements from eyewitnesses, and secured the premises for forensic analysis. The department’s preliminary report, posted on the official KETV website, states that the suspect remains at large and that a warrant is being prepared for the individual named “John Doe” based on the description provided by witnesses.
Police Chief Laura Hines issued a statement urging anyone who may have seen a man fleeing the scene in a dark sedan to contact the Benson Police Department at 555‑123‑4567. She added, “We are working around the clock to identify and apprehend the individual responsible for this violent act.”
The police press release, available on the KETV page and the Benson Police Department’s official website, details the suspect’s description: a Caucasian male, 5’10”, 175 lbs, wearing a dark hoodie, with a scar on the left cheek. A sketch was released to the public via the department’s Twitter feed. Investigators are also reviewing surveillance footage from neighboring businesses for any potential leads.
Community Impact
The shooting has rattled the close‑knit community of Benson, a town of roughly 4,200 residents located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Residents who attended the incident’s aftermath gathered at the local community center to discuss safety and support for the injured. “This is just…unexpected,” said 58‑year‑old resident, Linda McCoy. “We always thought of Benson as a safe place to raise our kids.”
Local businesses on Main Street have temporarily closed for the safety of their staff and patrons. The mayor, Thomas Greene, held a press conference on Sunday morning to outline the city’s emergency response plan and to coordinate with state and federal agencies. “We are fully committed to providing support to our victims and to ensuring that such an event never happens again,” he said.
Additional Context and Follow‑up Links
The KETV article includes several hyperlinks that provide further context:
- Benson Police Department Press Release – A PDF detailing the official statement, suspect description, and the request for witnesses.
- Benson Fire Department Response Report – An internal briefing summarizing the EMTs’ actions, including the use of CPR and the patients’ stabilization.
- Local Hospital Statement – An excerpt from Dr. Torres’s comments, offering insight into the medical care the wounded received.
- County Sheriff’s Office Update – A separate statement from the county sheriff’s office that underscores the collaborative effort between local and county law enforcement.
In addition, KETV’s own coverage includes a live‑stream clip of the police briefing, as well as a 5‑minute interview with a first‑hand witness who described the shooter’s rapid movements and the panic that ensued. Viewers can find these segments in the “Related Videos” section of the article.
Moving Forward
Benson’s authorities are continuing to investigate the shooting and are encouraging anyone with information to come forward. The police department has set up a dedicated tip line and is offering a reward for the safe and accurate location of the suspect. Meanwhile, community leaders are organizing a fundraiser to help cover medical expenses for the injured.
In a city that prides itself on close community ties and low crime rates, this shooting has left an indelible mark. As the investigation unfolds, residents of Benson and the surrounding areas await answers about the motives behind the violence and assurances that they can return to their daily lives with peace of mind.
Read the Full KETV Omaha Article at:
[ https://www.ketv.com/article/one-person-taken-to-the-hospital-with-cpr-in-progress-after-benson-shooting-two-others-critically-hurt/69715727 ]