Gun and knife terror at Chapeltown shop ends in dramatic arrest
Armed robbery sparks panic at Neil’s Superstore
Benjamin Mills and accomplice Ruwen James launched a terrifying armed raid at Neil’s Superstore in Chapeltown just after 6pm on Saturday, December 1, 2018. Mills pulled a loaded .25-calibre pistol on a male customer, pressing the gun to his face while James, wielding a knife, demanded cigarettes and cash from the shopkeeper.
After the duo fled, James returned to snatch a charity box from the counter. Moments later, a gunshot rang out, fired through the shop’s open door. The shopkeeper dodged just in time as the bullet shattered bottles behind him, sending shoppers into a panic.
Second armed attack follows in Woodhouse
Just days later on December 5, Mills and another man forced their way into a home on Glossop Street, Woodhouse. A 53-year-old man was held at gunpoint in his kitchen, threatened with the chilling words “I will smoke you” before a loud bang was heard. The victim was hit on the head with the firearm and forced into a car, but managed a daring escape and flagged down a police officer for help.
Forensic teams recovered spent shell casings and bullet damage at both crime scenes, linking the attacks definitively back to Mills and James.
High-stakes arrest in Lincoln Green
Police launched a firearms operation to hunt the pair down. On December 6, officers spotted Mills and James in Mushroom Street, Lincoln Green. As they neared Cross Stamford Street, armed cops moved in. The men bolted but were quickly cornered after distraction devices and a Taser were used on Mills.
Mills was caught with a loaded pistol and knife; James also carried a knife.
Heavy sentences for violent criminals
Specialist detectives from West Yorkshire Police built an ironclad case. Mills was convicted of armed robbery, kidnapping, and multiple firearm offences, landing 25 years behind bars at Leeds Crown Court. James admitted the robbery and knife possessions, receiving six years and nine months.
Detective Superintendent Fiona Gaffney said: “The use of firearms in crime is absolutely unacceptable. These attacks terrified innocent people, with live rounds fired recklessly. Thanks to the professionalism of our officers and thorough investigation, both men are now off the streets.”
“This sends a clear warning: anyone using guns or knives will face severe consequences.”
