Bell Shooting Victim Arrested in Assault
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A man who was wounded during a police shooting that killed his friend, Sean Bell, was arrested yesterday for assaulting his girlfriend, police officials said.
Trent Benefield, 24, was arrested after plainclothes police officers witnessed him strike his girlfriend, Nyla Page-Walthrus, in the Jamaica section of Queens, police officials said.
Mr. Benefield was sitting in a vehicle on 147th Street at about 9:30 p.m. when he punched the face of Ms. Page-Walthrus, who stood outside, through an open window, according to charges filed in Queens Criminal Court. He then struck her with the car door as he exited the vehicle, slapped her head, grabbed her by the throat, and shoved her twice in the chest, according to the charges.
Officers asked Mr. Benefield for his license, but he could only produce a New York State identification card, according to the charges. Mr. Benefield’s license was suspended in July 2003.
Prosecutors are charging Mr. Benefield with third-degree attempted assault, second-degree harassment, third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and driving by an unlicensed operator, the Queen’s district attorney’s office said. If convicted, he faces up to 90 days in jail or a $500 fine, the office said.
In November 2006, Mr. Benefield and another man, Joseph Guzman, were celebrating Bell’s bachelor party at the Kalua Cabaret in the Jamaica section of Queens before police, who falsely believed they were armed, shot at them 50 times.
Three of the officers involved in the incident were indicted by a grand jury and face criminal charges in the shooting.
Benefield will likely testify against the officers during an upcoming trial.