Union County deputies are in an active manhunt for Xemetryes James Bennett Jr., who investigators say is wanted in an ongoing case and should be considered armed and dangerous. A secured custody order has been issued charging him with attempted murder, armed robbery and conspiracy to commit armed robbery. Officials believe he may be in the Monroe area or nearby Wingate and are warning residents not to approach him.
Sheriff's Facebook alert
In a public notice on its official page, the Union County Sheriff's Office Facebook post identified the suspect as Xemetryes James Bennett Jr. and stated that he "should be considered armed and dangerous." The post added that information leading to his arrest may qualify for a reward of up to $2,500 and urged anyone with tips to contact law enforcement rather than attempt to intervene.
Charges and where he may be
According to WBTV, deputies say Bennett is the subject of a secured custody order on three felony charges: attempted murder, armed robbery and conspiracy to commit armed robbery. WBTV reports the search effort began around 4 p.m. Friday and that investigators believe he may be in the Monroe or Wingate area.
How to report tips
Anyone with information that could help locate Bennett is asked to call the Union County Sheriff's Office at 704-283-3789, the department's main number. The sheriff's office lists its headquarters at 3370 Presson Road in Monroe as the primary public contact point for tips and other inquiries.
Legal notes
Officials describe the paperwork in this case as a secured custody order tied to the three listed felonies. If Bennett is located, deputies say he will be taken into custody and processed through Union County courts. Investigators emphasize that they are actively searching for him and stress that members of the public should not attempt to confront or detain him, but instead immediately contact law enforcement.
What residents should know
Residents who think they may have spotted Bennett are urged to call 704-283-3789 right away and avoid approaching him. Deputies say community tips are a crucial part of the ongoing investigation and could help bring the case to a safer, quicker resolution.
