St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office issues arrest warrant for Chalmette man wanted for second degree murder

The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office has issued an arrest warrant for a Chalmette man who intentionally struck and killed with his vehicle another Chalmette man while he was riding his bicycle, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Robert Benbow, 26, of the 100 block of 4th Street, is wanted for the second degree murder of 46-year-old Michael Schulz, also of the 100 block of 4th Street.

Shortly before 8:30 p.m. on April 25, Sheriff Pohlmann said, deputies responded to a call about a man on a bicycle being struck by a vehicle in the 600 block of Chalmette Avenue in Chalmette.

When deputies arrived on the scene they found Schulz lying in the driveway of a home, suffering from fatal wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to witness accounts, Schulz and Benbow, who were acquaintances, were involved in an altercation. The two men parted ways after the initial argument, but witnesses say Benbow returned shortly after, made verbal threats to Schulz and then intentionally struck him with his vehicle.

Benbow fled the scene in a silver Jeep Commander with Michigan plates. The vehicle has been recovered, but deputies are still searching for Benbow.

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Benbow, or other information about the case, is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at (504) 271-2501 or Crimestoppers GNO at (504) 822-1111. Tipsters who call Crimestoppers can remain anonymous, do not have to testify and could be eligible for a cash reward.