Upstate woman charged in death of Easley police officer

Benites
Fallen Easley Police Officer Matthew Hare Photo credit Easley Police Department

Charges have been filed against an Upstate woman after a police officer was hit and killed by a train earlier this week. As we previously reported, 22 year old Easley officer Matthew Hare was hit by a train while trying to assist a suicidal person who was on the tracks, Wednesday morning.

SLED has now announced the arrest of 25 year old, Gabrielle Alexis Benites following the fatal incident. She is charged with aggravated breach of peace, after SLED says she was intoxicated and laid down on the tracks.

Benites
25 year old Gabrielle Alexis Benites Photo credit Pickens County Detention Center

Investigators state that she resisted the attempts by Hare and another officer to get her off the tracks, which led to Hare being hit by the oncoming train.

SLED says additional charges against Benites could be coming in the near future.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Easley Police Department