Judge denies bond again for man accused of shooting another in store
A Pontiac man accused of shooting another in a local store, injuring him, has again been denied bond by an Oakland County judge.
At a court hearing Nov. 15, 50th District Judge Ronda Gross said the alleged shooter, Andre Benton, 56, is “an acute danger to the community of Pontiac and continues to be a danger to the victim.”
Gross was responding to a request by Benton’s attorney Johnny Hawkins to reconsider an earlier decision to keep him in jail while the case moves through district court. Hawkins said Benton is not a threat, which Gross said isn’t true.
“He shot someone…allegedly,” the judge said.
According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting happened Oct. 30 at a store in the 300 block of Kennett Street in Pontiac. Benton and the victim began arguing over Benton blocking the store’s door, and then Benton shot the victim once, striking him in the hand, the sheriff’s office said.
Benton is charged with assault with intent to murder.
A preliminary exam is scheduled for Jan. 13, 2023 before Gross, who will hear evidence and determine if there’s probable cause for the case to proceed.