A 67-year-old Laurel man is accused of shooting another man in the chest during an early-morning argument, leaving the victim critically injured.
Delaware State Police have arrested Blair Bennett, 67, of Laurel, on attempted murder and related charges following a shooting at a home on Phillips Landing Road. The incident occurred around 2:35 a.m. Tuesday in the 6200 block of Phillips Landing Road.
Troopers and officers from the Laurel Police Department responded to the residence after receiving a report of a shooting. When first responders arrived, they found a 45-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest and immediately provided medical aid.
Victim hospitalized with critical injuries
The victim was transported to an area hospital, where he was listed in critical condition. Investigators determined the shooting stemmed from an argument inside the residence.
According to Delaware State Police, “the investigation revealed that during an argument the suspect, Blair Bennett, shot the victim.” Authorities said another person was inside the home at the time of the shooting but was not injured.
Bennett was taken into custody at the residence without incident.
More than $3 million cash bond set
Following his arrest, Bennett was transported to Troop 5, where he was formally charged and arraigned. He was subsequently committed to the Department of Correction.
Court records show Bennett was held on a $3,198,000 cash bond.
The charges filed against Bennett include Attempted Murder First Degree, Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony, and Reckless Endangering First Degree.
Investigation remains ongoing
Delaware State Police have not released additional details regarding the circumstances leading up to the argument or the relationship between Bennett and the victim.
The investigation remains active as detectives continue to gather evidence related to the shooting.
Key Points
• Blair Bennett, 67, of Laurel, was arrested on attempted murder charges after a shooting on Phillips Landing Road.
• A 45-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and was hospitalized in critical condition.
• Bennett was committed to the Department of Correction on a $3,198,000 cash bond.