Cops: Man Attacks Grandfather With Machete

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Cops say Benson is wanted for robbing his grandfather and attacking him with a machete.

Most grandparents welcome visits from their grandchildren, and James Benson's grandfather was no different.

Cops say James, 26, and his grandfather, 76-year-old Edward Benson, were on good terms, and James came and left his grandfather's home as he pleased.

But that was before James brutally attacked his grandfather with a machete and stole $200,000, according to police.

On Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008, the night before Thanksgiving, cops say James came to his grandfather's house at about 11:50 p.m.and needed money.

Cops say James grabbed his grandfather by the throat and threatened to take his head off. Later, Edward was able to get his hands on a gun by claiming to need to use the restroom, but James took it away, according to police.

James demanded that his grandfather give him his $200,000 retirement savings from a safe in the house after police say he seriously injured him on the head, face and arms with the machete.

Grandson Has Links To China

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Benson was recently married in China, but unable to bring his new wife to the U.S.

Now, police fear James might be trying to flee the country.

Cops say they don't know the motive for James' unthinkable crime, but he does have a wife in China who has been unable to come to the U.S. and owes an attorney who was working on the case.

They were married on Feb. 1, 2008 when cops say James was visiting China, but James returned when his visa expired.

James is intrigued by the Chinese culture and has worked in Chinese restaurants, according to police.

At first, police believed James might be driving a blue 1989 Volkswagon Jetta, but found the car in Edneyville, N.C. It was parked at a relative's house who is not involved and appeared to be inoperable.

Cops are not sure if James used the car on the night of the attack.

Police are unsure of his whereabouts or mode of transportation, but they know he has connections in Cleveland, Ohio; New York and China.

He is described as a white male, about 5'9" tall with brown hair and brown eyes and cops consider him armed and dangerous.

He is wanted on charges of robbery with a dangerous weapon and attempted first degree murder.

If you know anything about the attack or where James might be hiding, call our hotline at 1-800-CRIME-TV.