Special Officer Fred W. Benz

Fred W. Benz

Special Officer Fred Benz was shot and killed after he and several other officers responded to a burglary call at 1424 Amherst Terrace in the Twelfth District. While the other officers searched the house the suspect jumped from a window, landing next to Officer Benz. When the officer ordered the man to stop the man opened fire, striking Officer Benz in the abdomen. Other officers returned fire, wounding the man before taking him into custody.

The suspect, charged with murder, was tried and acquitted. His trial for burglary ended in a mistrial. He was convicted of possession of stolen items from the burglary and sentenced to two years.

Officer Benz had been with the agency for 21 years and was survived by his wife.