Suspect in deadly Harvey gas station shooting arrested

HARVEY, Ill. (WLS) -- Harvey police arrested the man suspected of fatally shooting a 17-year-old boy and critically injuring the teen's mother at a gas station convenience store nearly two months ago.

With the help of tips from the community, Earl Truss, 20, was apprehended in Chicago on Thursday. Police issued an arrest warrant for Truss on June 1 and warned the community that he was considered armed and dangerous.

He allegedly entered a gas station in the 14700-block of South Wood Street in Harvey with a handgun around 3:45 p.m. on May 30. Friends of Juwan Benson, 17, said he and his mother were buying snacks inside.

Police said the teen argued with Truss at the entrance. Truss allegedly opened fire moments later. Benson was killed. His mother was critically wounded.

Friends said Truss had been terrorizing the family ever since he and Benson got into a fight a few weeks before the shooting.

Those who knew Juwan Benson say he was smart and funny and loved rapping and basketball. The south suburb was left shaken by the violence.

"Crime is at its lowest here in the city of Harvey in over 17 years. This represents the first homicide ending May," said Sean Howard.

Charges are pending against Truss.