Man admits robbing motorist, firing shots on rural Benton County road

A Lower Valley man faces nearly 14 years in prison after admitting he robbed a random motorist at gunpoint.

Benjamin M. McNair, 34, pleaded guilty in Benton County Superior Court to first-degree robbery, second-degree assault and second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm.

He used his pickup to block the roadway on Old Inland Empire Highway at 1:23 a.m. July 11 and stop a car driven by Benjamin Taff, according to court documents.

McNair got out, started yelling at Taff, pointed a .40-caliber pistol at Taff’s head and demanded his driver’s license, documents said.

Taff handed over his wallet, then drove off, crashing into the pickup as he escaped. McNair fired several shots and Taff was hit in the leg by a bullet.

Taff called 911. Law enforcement tracked down McNair in the area and drove him to a location so Taff could positively identify him as the perpetrator, documents said.

When authorities searched the crime scene during the day, they found a pistol at the base of a utility pole and a wallet with Taff’s credit card in the branches of the tree.

Deputy Prosecutor Terry Bloor will recommend a 13-year, 10-month prison term at sentencing June 2.

McNair, who has lived in Sunnyside, acknowledged using the threat of force or violence on the rural road.

The outcome of the case is supported by Taff and should hold McNair accountable, Bloor said.

The standard range for the robbery, given McNair’s history, is 10 years and nine months to 14 years and three months. He has criminal convictions in Benton and King counties for residential burglary, second-degree burglary, reckless endangerment with a controlled substance, first-degree theft and drug possession.

This story was originally published May 29, 2016 at 7:39 PM with the headline "Man admits robbing motorist, firing shots on rural Benton County road."