Easley woman charged in policeman’s death

The state police have arrested and charged a 25-year old Easley woman in the investigation of the death of a city policeman Wednesday when the officer was hit and killed by an oncoming train.  The state Law Enforcement Division announces the charge of aggravated breach of peace against Gabrielle Alexis Benites and adds the following comment, “As with any active and ongoing investigation the possibility of additional charges is being evaluated.”  An affidavit signed by officer James Collins alleges that “on August 2, 2023, in the county of Pickens, one Gabrielle Alexis Benites did commit the offense of Breach of Peace, aggravated in nature, in that she knowingly and willfully trespassed on an active railroad in an attempt to cause harm to herself.  While intoxicated, the defendant laid across the active railroad tracks and resisted law enforcement efforts to assist with removing her.  As of result the defendant’s actions, a law enforcement officer was struck and killed by an oncoming train….”