Mark Benson Facing Multiple Charges For Firing Shots At Deputies

More information released about the incident where a man shot at police in Cosby on Thursday 1/15. 47 year old Mark Benson had originally called for a Cocke County deputy to come to his location about a rape. Sgt. Josh Smith responded, but had to leave to get cell service. When he came back, Benson had retreated back into his tent and would not come out. Sgt. smith was then made aware that Benson had outstanding warrants in Cocke County. When told of the warrants, Benson stated that deputies would have to kill him, and he stated he had a gun. When a move was made to get Benson to exit the tent, he fired a shot at deputies, who then had to take cover. The Swat team was finally able to get Benson out of the tent, but not before he had fired several rounds at officers.

Benson now faces nine counts of Aggravated Assault; Reckless Endangerment with a Deadly Weapon; Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon; and possession of stolen property, as the shotgun that Benson used was found to be stolen out of another county. Detectives recovered 11 spent 20 gauge shell casings inside Benson’s tent. He is being held without bond in the Jefferson County Detention Center.