Once again, closet is bad hiding place

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, May 9, 2012

SALISBURY — A 46-year-old man was found hiding in his closet this morning when deputies arrived to serve warrants.
Eric Todd Benge, of Arrowood Road, was growing six marijuana plants inside his home, deputies said. A neighbor tipped officers off when Benge came home.
Deputies C.J. Cauble and M.A. Dixon parked out of sight near the home about 3:15 a.m., according to the report.
Having arrested Benge just a week ago, deputies recognized him as he walked “right past the door” as the officers approached.
The officers knocked on the door and told Benge there were there to serve warrants, and watched as he ran into the bedroom.
They knocked again before kicking the front door in.
“When we gained access to the house we went into the bedroom that we had seen him enter and found him hiding in the closet,” the report said.
Benge was charged with felony manufacturing marijuana; resisting, obstructing or delaying an officer; possession of drug paraphernalia; felony maintaining a dwelling for keeping or storing drugs.
He was in jail Wednesday morning under a $6,000 bond.