A Florida man, described by law enforcement authorities as dangerous, is being sought following a car chase through two states.
The chase began Monday in Liberty County when the suspect, Michael Lane Benjamin, reportedly stole a jar of coins and bills from the El Cheapo gas station in South Newport near Riceboro. The money was meant to benefit the Liberty County High School football team.
An employee of El Cheapo said the manager immediately notified law enforcement authorities the jar had been taken.
The suspect was reportedly bold enough to stop at another El Cheapo at exit 76 in Midway where he purchased gas and cigars.
An employee of the business told the Courier the man acted very casual and unassuming.
A video from the store’s surveillance cameras was able to help authorities identify the subject.
Deputies dispatched to the Riceboro business located the suspect at the Midway business and the pursuit began. It ended in Jasper County, S.C. when the subject’s vehicle — reportedly stolen from a location in Florida — slammed into a car and then careened into a tree.
The suspect then fled on foot and remains at large.
Benjamin is described as a black, light-skinned male, about 23-24 years old, and bald. He has an address of residence in Fort Pierce, Fla., but was incarcerated in Fulton County as recently as February. He was last seen at the first rest stop in South Carolina.
According to authorities in Florida, Benjamin has been known to carry a weapon, and should be considered dangerous. Anyone who has information on his whereabouts should notify law enforcement authorities immediately.
The chase began Monday in Liberty County when the suspect, Michael Lane Benjamin, reportedly stole a jar of coins and bills from the El Cheapo gas station in South Newport near Riceboro. The money was meant to benefit the Liberty County High School football team.
An employee of El Cheapo said the manager immediately notified law enforcement authorities the jar had been taken.
The suspect was reportedly bold enough to stop at another El Cheapo at exit 76 in Midway where he purchased gas and cigars.
An employee of the business told the Courier the man acted very casual and unassuming.
A video from the store’s surveillance cameras was able to help authorities identify the subject.
Deputies dispatched to the Riceboro business located the suspect at the Midway business and the pursuit began. It ended in Jasper County, S.C. when the subject’s vehicle — reportedly stolen from a location in Florida — slammed into a car and then careened into a tree.
The suspect then fled on foot and remains at large.
Benjamin is described as a black, light-skinned male, about 23-24 years old, and bald. He has an address of residence in Fort Pierce, Fla., but was incarcerated in Fulton County as recently as February. He was last seen at the first rest stop in South Carolina.
According to authorities in Florida, Benjamin has been known to carry a weapon, and should be considered dangerous. Anyone who has information on his whereabouts should notify law enforcement authorities immediately.