Jasper Man Charged After Alleged Waffle House Arson Attempt, Knife Assault on Police

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 33-year-old Jasper, Georgia man named Chase Benham was shot and injured by police after allegedly attempting to set a vehicle on fire at a local Waffle House, then fleeing the scene and throwing knives at officers who later located him.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the risks law enforcement face when responding to reports of violent criminal activity, as well as the challenges in de-escalating confrontations with armed suspects. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is conducting an independent probe to determine if the use of force by police was justified.

The details

According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, police first responded to a call of suspicious activity at a Waffle House in Jasper, where Benham was allegedly damaging a vehicle and trying to set it on fire. Benham then fled the scene armed with at least one knife. Officers later located him on Darnell Road, where he reportedly threw multiple knives at them, prompting Jasper police to open fire and strike Benham once. Benham was taken to a local trauma hospital for treatment of his injuries.

• The initial call came in around 1:21 p.m. on March 8, 2026.
• The confrontation between Benham and police occurred later that same day on Darnell Road.

What’s next

The GBI investigation is ongoing, and the findings will be reviewed by the district attorney's office to determine if the officers' actions were justified.