John Vincent Benning is a 55-year-old resident of Tangerine Avenue in Daytona North, also known as the Mondex west of Bunnell. He has a long history of arrests on misdemeanor, violent and non-violent felony charges (especially fraudulent or illegal contracting). The charges, including child abuse and aggravated assault, have either been dismissed or reduced to misdemeanor convictions. He had allegedly swung a two-foot steel pipe at another man in 2019 in a case that resulted in his conviction in a plea on a criminal mischief charge.
On Tuesday night, the individuals against whom he swung a heavy metal pipe were the Flagler County Fire Rescue paramedics he’d been screaming for to a 911 dispatcher moments earlier. He was arrested on yet another felony aggravated assault charge, and abuse of the 911 system.
A dispatcher had taken five calls from Benning before midnight as he claimed there was a medical emergency at his home. He was still calling when a Flagler County Sheriff’s deputy arrived at the property–and heard Benning yelling obscenities at the dispatcher. The deputy confirmed with the 911 center that Benning was on the line, insulting them. It’s not illegal to do so. But it magnifies the stress dispatchers are under and literally adds undue insult to a thankless job.
Benning told the deputy that his brother was unable to breathe, and accused his brother’s partner of poisoning him. Benning’s brother was having some difficulties breathing, the deputy found upon checking on him, but he said he had an extensive medical history, including lung cancer, and said Benning was overreacting. Soon paramedics arrived and began assessing Benning’s brother.
The partner, a woman, was in her room. She described the situation deteriorating after Benning started leveling accusations at her, so she remained in her room. Benning meanwhile was outside the house, with other deputies. The deputies detected alcohol on his breath and slurred speech–merely an observation: impairment in one’s home is not illegal. But then Benning’s brother started yelling at the paramedics from Rescue 71.
At that point, according to the deputy’s report, Benning “picked up a large, heavy metal pipe, and swung it back as if to strike the firefighter paramedics on scene.” A deputy intervened. Absent that intervention, the report states, “a firefighter would have been seriously injured or killed.”
Benning was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, a second-degree felony–rather than third–because it involves a paramedic. The pipe was submitted into evidence. It’s not clear if it is the same pipe reported to have been used in the 2019 incident, the previous time Benning was charged with aggravated assault. He was booked on $8,000 bond. He remained at the county jail Wednesday evening.
DJT says
Another of my supporters, think I may have to bail him out of jail so he can ride around town in his pickup truck plastered with my bumper stickers. I may have him run for elected office in Flagler County, seems like he would fit in with Danko and Mullins.
Steve says
And I thought I had anger issues. Some Jail time so He can cool off. Must be something in the water out Mondex way
Joan says
Why do people with a history of violence against children and adults continue to be given leniency and opportunities to plea bargain? This individual obviously has problems leading to a long history of assault among other issues. He’s not being helped, he’s not being removed from society, just continuing to inflict his anger upon whomever is around. If nothing is done, innocent bystanders will continue to be victimized by his wrath. This is not okay! Isn’t it the responsibility of someone to ensure the safety of the public if this man refuses to take responsibility for his emotions and actions and behave like a reasonable human being?
Cynthia W says
A mere $8000 bond with his history? This man seriously needs some anger management training and evaluation for mental illness.
Geezer says
Paramedics are underappreciated and underpaid.
Of all first responders, these life-savers have the most dangerous job.
They should be at the top, salary-wise.
Trailer Bob says
Nope…not the water. It is a small percentage of us who live here that have serious issues. But, as the prices of homes and land go through the roof lately, only the sane and working or retired folks will be able to move in.
New homes being planed at a health rate. As communities change, the folks able to afford to move in also changes…for the better.
Many of those moving in to the Mondex now are leaving restrictive Palm Coast.
palmcoaster says
One more dangerous bully let go free with license to kill if he wishes Kyle R style.
Steve says
Thank You for the clarification
Concerned Citizen says
I wish our Judges would support our Law Enforcement Officer’s and First Responder Community.
I’m getting sick and tired of seeing ridiculously low bonds for serious and repeat offenses. A low bond should only be issued if it’s a first offenders time in on a non serious non violent charge. Same goes for pleas and probation. If our Judges really cared about the community they serve then they would start no bonding. Or make high enough that you can’t get out. Most bonds require ten percent. So most perps are out quick. And we’ve proven catch and release don’t work.
I intend to vote different next election. I hope you do as well. It’s the only way to foster change in this County.
Sherry says
This man obviously requires immediate supervised/incarcerated mental health treatment. Why wasn’t he referred to the “Mental Health Court”? . . . Here is some information:
https://www.flcourts.org/Resources-Services/Court-Improvement/Problem-Solving-Courts/Mental-Health-Courts
Land of no turn signals says says
Mental health court?He’s a drunken bum who needs a long stint in jail.