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Felon back behind bars after crime spree in Monroe

MONROE, N.C. — A convicted felon is back behind bars in Union County after police said he went on a crime spree that left one man with a gunshot wound.

Monroe police arrested Travis Bennett Monday night on Parker Street after one of his would-be victims tackled him during a struggle and held him down until officers arrived.

"We don't recommend that the public take matters in their own hands, but in this particular case it did help us apprehend the suspect and luckily no one was seriously hurt," said Detective Nick Brummer.

Brummer said the homeowner walked in the home on Parker to find Bennett standing inside with a knife.

Authorities said Bennett demanded money, and the two men began struggling over the knife. Eventually police said the victim was able to overpower Bennett and take him down.

"As we understand it, [Bennett] seemed to be intoxicated or was under the influence of some sort of narcotic," Brummer said.

The call for help came just 30 minutes after police said Brummer attempted to rob another man at a home on English Street, nearly two miles away.

Police said Bennett walked up to a man sitting on his porch and demanded money.

"All of a sudden he said, 'Man, give it up!' The man said, 'What are you talking about?' And [Bennett] struck him in the face with the pistol, busted his chin," a witness told Eyewitness said.

Police said Bennett then began shooting, hitting the victim in the elbow and sending bullets into a home across the street.

Neighbors called the violence worrisome.

"These guys running around here, doing negative things in life, it's gonna catch up with them," said Frankie Marsh.

Bennett, who has already served nearly eight years in state prison for various crimes, is booked in the Union County Jail on a $100,000 bond.