Suspect Sought for Evading SFPD Found in Possession of a Firearm and Illicit Drugs
Above: Stock Image
OAKLEY — A suspect sought for evading police in San Francisco was recently caught by the Oakley Police Department. Irie Lee Louis Benson Jr., 46, of Richmond, was arrested in Oakley on February 9. Benson was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm and illicit drugs at the time of his arrest.
Benson allegedly evaded San Francisco officers during a law enforcement pursuit on an unspecified date. The vehicle involved in the pursuit, a black Chevy Silverado, was later spotted near Main Street and Bridgehead Road in Oakley by an officer on patrol. Benson was one of the occupants inside the vehicle.
Benson’s backpack was searched and was found to contain a fully loaded Glock pistol with 17 rounds of ammunition, including a live round in the chamber. Because Benson is a previously convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing any kind of firearm.
The backpack also contained methamphetamine, crack cocaine and cocaine powder. The combined weight of all the illicit drugs was approximately a half a pound. It was packaged in multiple plastic baggies evidently for sale.
Benson was arrested on the following charges:
• Possession of a Firearm and Controlled Substances
• Possession of Controlled Substance
• Possession of Controlled Substance for Sale
• Possession of Cocaine Base for Sale
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Addict in Possession of a Firearm
Subsequently, Benson was released from custody on bond the following day. A preliminary court hearing is scheduled for him on March 21. Benson is no stranger to law enforcement. Public records indicate that he has prior arrests dating back to 2015 involving drugs, shoplifting, probation violation, and evading police.
