FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 20, 2024
Incident at James Crossing Apartments Leads to Arrest and Charges
Lynchburg, VA – Last night, at approximately 11:47pm, Lynchburg Police (LPD) officers responded to reports of gunfire at the James Crossing Apartments. Upon arrival, officers discovered a shotgun abandoned in the 800 block of Greenfield Drive, along with shell casings from a handgun scattered in the parking lot. Witnesses informed officers that a male dressed in all black had been seen fleeing the scene.
During their investigation at the complex, officers observed a male matching the suspect’s description leaving in a cab. LPD officers were able to stop the cab within the complex premises. Upon searching the vehicle, they found a shotgun shell in the area where the suspect had been seated. Additionally, a pistol fell from the suspect, later identified as Mitchell Larnell Bennett Jr (44) of Madison Heights, Virginia, during the arrest.
Further investigation revealed that Mitchell Bennett Jr. was involved in discharging a firearm into the parking lot following an earlier altercation. As a convicted felon, Mitchell Bennett Jr. faces multiple charges, including:
- Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon
- 3 counts of Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon
- Discharge a Firearm into an Occupied Building
- Discharge a Firearm in the City
- 2 counts of Property Damage (Felony)
Mitchell Bennett Jr. is currently being held at the Lynchburg Blue Ridge Regional Jail without bond.
The Lynchburg Police Department is actively investigating this incident and believes there may be additional individuals involved. Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the Lynchburg Police Department at (434) 455-6041 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 798-5900. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at http://p3tips.com or through the P3 app on mobile devices by texting CVCS to 738477. Message and data rates may apply; terms and privacy policy for P3 are available online.
As this remains an ongoing investigation, the Lynchburg Police Department will provide updates as additional information becomes available.