Jennings man takes a shot at neighbor, say police

By Jo Ross, Reporter

July 08, 2009 07:49 am

— In retaliation for an alleged beating he received from neighbor Benjamin Bell, 29-year-old Cornelius Maurice Daniels of Jennings hid in Bell's yard in March waiting for him to return home and fired one round at him from a sawed-off shot gun, say police. A warrant for Daniels' arrest was issued and he was picked up and booked into the county jail on June 22.
The original altercation is reported to have taken place at the Corn Patch Club, a Belleville bar, earlier that evening. According to the report filed by Sheriff's Deputy Thomas Chico Griffin, after leaving the club, Daniels waited in Bell's yard. As Bell drove up and began to exit his vehicle, Daniels fired, the pellets reportedly striking Bell's vehicle but missing him. Bell then fled on foot and called 911.
In statements made to law enforcement, Daniels reportedly told investigators he was not trying to hurt Bell, but just wanted to scare him.
Daniels is being held without bond in the Hamilton County Jail on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, criminal mischief-damage to property and violation of felony probation.