ROCKINGHAM — A Hamlet man who has been out of prison less than two months is facing multiple charges after allegedly leading deputies on a chase last week.
According to an arrest warrant, Lt. R.C. Smith with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office attempted to apprehend 47-year-old Dwayne Lee Benoist on April 30 for a felony parole violation and an outstanding warrant for his arrest.
Another warrant, issued the same day, alleges that Benoist damaged the window and front door of another man’s home and told him “You are going to get what’s coming to you.”
Benoist allegedly fled from the deputy in a vehicle, while having a revoked license. He is also accused of trying to hit the deputy’s vehicle during the pursuit.
In addition to reportedly fleeing on foot and in a vehicle, Benoist is accused of refusing to obey verbal commands and physically resisting arrest by pulling away and not giving the deputy his hands to be placed in handcuffs.
Benoist is charged with: fleeing to elude arrest with a motor vehicle; reckless driving to endanger; reckless driving with wanton disregard; resisting a public officer; assault with a deadly weapon; assault on a government official or employee; injury to real property; and communicating threats.
He was also cited for driving while license revoked.
Benoist is being held in the Richmond County Jail on a combined $105,000 secured bond. He is scheduled to appear in court May 21 on the charges related to the chase and May 29 for the other charges.
Records with the N.C. Department of Adult Correction show Benoist was released from prison on March 9 following a 2022 conviction on charges of being a habitual felon, attempted felony breaking and entering, and speeding to elude arrest. His parole was set to end in March of 2027.
Benoist also has prior convictions in Richmond, Moore and Randolph counties since 2002 on the following charges: possessing stolen goods; injury to personal property; driving while license revoked; resisting a public officer; disorderly conduct; breaking and entering vehicles; misdemeanor and felony larceny; larceny after breaking and entering; breaking and entering; giving fictitious information to a law enforcement officer; assault on a female; violation of a protective order; domestic criminal trespass; obtaining property by false pretenses; and communicating threats.
All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
