The Skyline College student who allegedly shot his friend in the buttocks during an on-campus melee between two groups of men is wanted on a $100,000 warrant after failing to appear in San Mateo County Superior Court on gun charges.

But Germaine Benjamin, 18, likely has a good excuse — he is in custody in San Francisco on unrelated criminal threats charges.

Benjamin, free on a $50,000 bail bond, did not appear at his scheduled preliminary hearing in San Mateo County. Judge Lisa Novak issued a $100,000 arrest warrant and relieved his court-appointed attorney.

San Francisco authorities, however, say he was arrested in the Bayview District Sept. 25 for allegedly threatening a security guard and remains in custody in that county in lieu of $200,000 bail.

The shooting victim, Eric Brewer, 20, was ordered back to court Oct. 29 for a preliminary hearing on a charge of being a gangmember with a gun.

Benjamin and two others were arrested approximately four hours after the Sept. 2 shooting in parking lot number six at Skyline College in San Bruno. Only Benjamin was charged and Brewer was added later.

The shooting, not long after the bombing attempt at Hillsdale High School, left the campus rattled.

Police were called to the campus at 1:30 p.m. on a call of shots fired. Police immediately locked down the campus and evacuated the community college, classroom by classroom, to ensure the safety of some 3,000 students and staff.

Students were forced to leave their vehicles on campus and walk down College Drive where it intersects Sheryl Drive in San Bruno. SamTrans buses were also rerouted.

Police said the incident started as an altercation between two groups of African-American males but have not further detailed the issue. Brewer was shot once in the buttocks and hospitalized for a week.

Prosecutors say Brewer gave Benjamin the gun during the incident and he dropped it in the trash afterward.

 Michelle Durand can be reached by e-mail: michelle@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 102.