Special Officer Benz was shot after he and several other officers responded to a burglary call at 1424 Amherst Place in the Twelfth District on the evening of November 22, 1924. When they arrived they were met by Lieutenant McMillen, Officer Daniel Mahoney, and Chauffer Clarence McCuddy. Officers Benz and Cecil stood at the rear of the residence while the other officers searched the house the suspect, William Bormann, 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 and right leg. Officers returned fire, wounding the suspect in the left hip before taking him into custody. Officer Benz died from his wounds the next day.

Officer Benz had been with the agency for 21 years since November 28, 1902. He was survived by his wife, Emma. Interred: Bethany Cemetery.