Wounded Ohio Division of Wildlife officer released from hospital after 39 days, sent to rehab center

 

After a 39-day stay in the University of Cincinnati Hospital following being shot in the abdomen, Ohio Division of Wildlife officer Kevin Behr was transferred several days ago to a rehabilitation facility.

Behr is said to have been shot about 4 p.m., December 20th – the last day of Ohio’s so-called bonus two-day firearms deer-hunting season - while participating in an anti-deer-poaching assignment in Clinton County.

The 25-year Wildlife Division veteran was then life-flighted to the Cincinnati hospit. There he remained hospitalized that included a lengthy period in intensive care, and underwent multiple surgeries.

In a Facebook posting January 27th, Behr’s wife, Kathy Garza-Behr – herself a Wildlife Division employee – and Berh’s sister stated “Goodbye UC! Kevin got the best care in the nation while at UC!

“After 39 days he made his trip to rehab! Arriving by helicopter back in December, last night he got an escort surrounded by the glow of cruiser lights.

“He starts his long journey home now and couldn’t have done it without your loves, prayers, and support. Endless thanks from the Garza-Behr families.”

The escort was proceeded by a contingent of about two dozen local and Ohio Department of Natural Resources law enforcement vehicles that were assembled in the hospital’s parking lot, overlooked by Behr’s room. The various cruisers’ lighting systems were illuminated.

A scene of people waving to Behr with him waving back was also posted on the social media site.

And as Behr was wheeled through the hospital’s corridor, both sides were lined by police officers standing at attention as well.

One of the popularized law enforcement black-and-white colored flags served as a blanket for Behr with the addition of a green stripe, said to signify his association with the Wildlife Division.

Meanwhile, charges have been brought against three defendants accused in the matter.

Among the defendants is Brian R. Liming, 44 of Jamestown. Liming is alleged to have discharged the firearm that led to a projectile striking Behr.

Liming has been charged with a fourth-degree felony that alleges he recklessly caused serious physical harm to a peace officer. Such a charge potentially carries a maximum penalty of up to 18 months in prison and up to a $5,000 fine. (Liming’s case number is CRA2001604, as identified in the Clinton County Clerk of Courts.)

The other charges Liming faces and their maximum punishments are: having a weapon while under disability (up to 36 months prison and up to a $10,000 fine); no deer or wild turkey permit (up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine); and hunting without permission from the landowner (up to 30 days jail and a $500 fine).

Also charged in the alleged incident were Bryan Achtermann, 36, of Midland and Thomas J. Davis, 35, of Jamestown.

Donations can be made to help with Behr and his family.

Send to5/3 Bank; Kevin J. Behr Account; Routing Number 042202196; Account Number xxxxxx2403.

Also, by check and made payable to: Ohio Wildlife Officer Lodge 143, denoting Kevin Behr on the check’s memo line. Mail to: Tim Rourke, PO Box 4333, Sidney OH 45365.

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