A Harford County Sheriff’s Office deputy who fired his weapon at a suspect attempting to leave the scene of an accident with the off-duty officer earlier this month was charged Monday with reckless endangerment, according to court records.
Deputy First Class Christopher M. Behles, 37, faces a single misdemeanor count of reckless endangerment in connection with the April 8 incident. Behles is an eight-year veteran of the agency assigned to the Violent Street Crimes Unit as a plainclothes officer, the agency said at the time.
The charge originated with the office of State’s Attorney Joseph Cassilly, according to Sheriff’s Office spokesman Edward Hopkins. Hopkins said Behles has been suspended with pay as the charge against him is not a felony.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Behles was off duty and on his way home in an unmarked agency Ford Crown Victoria shortly before 5 p.m. on April 8 when he was rear-ended on Norrisville Road at White Hall Road by a 2001 Toyota 4Runner driven by William Redding Harvey V, 33, of Jarrettsville.
Behles identified himself and engaged in a conversation with Harvey, who police said began to slowly veer around the police vehicle. According to a Sheriff’s Office release at the time, Behles “became caught up” in the movements of Harvey’s vehicle and, concerned for his own safety, “discharged his weapon in an attempt to stop the threat” but did not hit Harvey.
After Behles shot at him, police said Harvey fled the scene, and Behles pursued him on Norrisville Road and Route 439 into Baltimore County. A short time later, Harvey lost control and rolled his vehicle. He fled on foot, and was apprehended by Behles as backup arrived.
Cassilly told The Dagger that the reckless endangerment charge pertains specifically to Behles firing his weapon during the incident. Charging documents against Behles were not immediately available.
Hopkins said that the agency’s Criminal Investigations Division reviews any incident in which an officer employs deadly force, and forwards a report to the state’s attorney’s office. However, that review by the Criminal Investigation Division does not consitute an internal investigation of the officer’s actions, Hopkins said, and Behles has not been, nor is currently, the subject of an agency investigation.
Under state law regarding reckless endangerment, an individual may not take action which creates “a substantial risk of death or serious physical injury to another person,” nor fire a weapon from a vehicle in a manner that creates the same risks. The latter portion does not apply to a police officer or security guard “in the performance of an official duty.” If found guilty, Behles faces a maximum of five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000; a court date has been set for July 2 at 8:30 a.m.
Harvey was charged with second degree assault, resisting arrest, obstruction and hindering and failure to obey a lawful order of a police officer, as well as other traffic charges. He was taken to the Harford County Detention Center and released on $3,000 bail. He is scheduled to appear in Harford County District Court on June 4.
This is crazy! When you are in a police vehicle and identify yourself as a police officer you then are on duty no matter the circumstances, how is that not “in the performance of an official duty”? I’m looking forward to the charging documents because its sad you cant even do your job anymore, just let the criminals do whatever they want.
You’re right, it’s a crook free for all
Last time I checked, leaving the scene of an accident does not carry the death penalty, you fascist fool
Also, the article clearly states he was not in a police vehicle. Learn to read, caveman.
The article clearly states that the Deputy was in an “unmarked agency vehicle”. That would be a police vehicle. Even a caveman knows that!
So this guy rear ends the Deputy, tries to run over him and then the Deputy is charged with reckless endangerment ? Am I missing something here ? If that had happened to me I would have shot at him too whether I was in or out of my vehicle. If the suspect would of obeyed the lawful commands of the Deputy this all could have been avoided but no, lets go after the Deputy, what a waste of time and effort by the States Attorney.
EXACTLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And here we have a local, perfect example of how our laws are upside down. We have laws to detail with the jerk (the guy that rammed the cop) – it used to be assault with a deadly weapon, and now the tables are turned. So – the perp was out of jail in hours on $3000 bail and now the cop is fighting charges. This is the same bs that our judicial system plays with violent criminals all over the country – and the brain trust politicians come up with a plan to stop this…it’s gun control. I sure hope we don’t have any space creatures visiting us and looking at how we behave so they can follow our lead, or there’ll be no hope at all for intelligent life anywhere!
That’s just crazy. So the officer is suppose to just use mace or his bully club to save his life? If he would have shot the suspect would he still have been charged. The circumstances of him firing his weapon wouldn’t change he just would have hit his target. I just cant imagine the officer being charged for this. Seems ass backwards
You’re right Insane – it would have been more logic to send the officer to the range for more practice!!!
Have to admit I would have fired a shot & possibly more. trash the charges.
I would love to see the paper work on this one. It is too early to jump to conclusions. A police officer has a few seconds to make a decision that can change the rest of their life. It is not done out of anger, but as a result of their training and a fear for their safety. This is the situation you heard about years. You reacted in a few seconds and now they had over three weeks to Monday morning quarter back.
I saw the word off duty used in the story. A police officer may be off duty but he may still have to take action like Deputy Behles did in this case. We are never really off duty. You can be charged with a violation of agency rules and regs if you violate one while off duty. ( Well some people are not charged)
I didn’t vote for joe….
This is quite shocking! Unbelievable. How can an Officer do their job if they now have that doubt in their minds that they could be second guessed and criminally charged for upholding the law? Un.Real.
This is what will get you killed on the street…….second guessing yourself.
Yes you Mr. Cassilly. Thanks for your many years of service to the citizens of Harford County.
Read the police report, unmarked police car, cop in plain clothes gets out with a gun im sorry but id flee too people are nuts, if the guy dident physically harm the officer the cop shouldent have shot. the guy was driving away from not straight at the officer. maybe that cop was bribing people too or having sex on our tax money. real good cops we got around here.
@ Brandon- Where did you get your law degree? By the way your spelling is horrible its didn’t (not dident) and its Shouldn’t(not shouldent). This department has taken some hits but not all officers are bad apples. Did you have 6 months training in a police academy? Its called a split second decision if you are in fear for your life you do what you have to do. Did you read the police report im not sure is what ever put out to the public, or are you reading off of press releases. Don’t hate the police you may need them one day and they will be there. People take for granted that when they eat, sleep, use the bathroom, have holidays celebrations, or go shopping, the police are always working. Working to protect you and your family, so don’t rush to judgement.
Go lick a boot.
Are you ok? Maybe you should seek help for your mental health status. “Go lick a Boot”, really are we still in grade school?
R U CRAZY, Brandon?? This guy (WR Harvey) HAS A RECORD!!!! This is NOT the first time he’s pulled crap like this!!!
Chris reacted as an officer should! It’s BS that he is facing these RIDICULOUS charges!! FOR WHAT???? For doing his JOB!!!
NO policeman’s job is to murder people who are committing a non-violent misdemeanor. We have a right to face our accuser in court, not to be shot. They would not have charged the officer if the car was actually going towards him, so we can safely conclude the car was going away. Leaving the scene of an accident is NOT a crime punishable by death. A cop cannot mete out a punishment. That is for judges only. Learn to function in a civil society, or go move to Somalia and live with the rest of the uncivilized cavemen.
Clint you were there at the scene I assume? Unless you have access to people within the Sheriff’s Office you need to listen to those of us who do? Free speach is dangerous for a guy like you.
Dragging a police officer with your vehicle hardly constitutes a “non-violent misdemeanor”
I remember the video from the motorcyclist who was “stunting” on I95 (and then charged with videotaping the trooper, ACLU got involved, etc, etc), only to be blocked by a State Trooper at the next exit. Upon exiting his unmarked vehicle, the plain-clothes trooper pulled his pistol in clear view of the rider and commanded the rider to get off the bike, from what I remember, it was ~12 seconds between when the pistol appeared and the trooper identified himself as law enforcement (by then, he already had his other hand on the motorcycle’s controls). What should an average person think during that time? 12 seconds is a very limited time to figure out if you’re getting robbed or some other untoward event is occuring vs a lawful interaction with the police, especially when your adrenaline is pumping.
This guy rear-ended a deputy and was fleeing the scene of the accident and dragged the deputy. What in my opionion is because the guy has a lengthy record including being stopped the week before for no license and registration. This guy thought he was going to jail and so he tried to run. He wasn’t scared of anything other than going back to jail. This Deputy did his JOB!
Did he see anything but a gun stuck in his face? Maybe a badge, lights on the cruiser, etc? I’d run too if the first thing I saw upon coming to my senses after an accident was a handgun pointed at my head.
Too many cops in Maryland believe their handgun is as good as their badge for showing law enforcement status.
@Kharn, I am assuming you don’t know the specifics of the case with the trooper. There is always so much more than the public knows. It’s dangerous to talk about and make judgments about an incident without having all of the facts. A few seconds of video never tells the whole story, nor does a few articles in the newspaper. That’s why they always say you can’t try a case in the media.
The guy rear-ended the plain clothes police officer. When he identified himself, “the guy began to slowly veer around the police vehicle” and drive away. Instead of taking the license plate number so he could show up at the guy’s house later with traffic tickets, the officer pulls out his gun and fires. Sounds like over-reaction to me.
Really, Really!?! While the facts of this case are not yet out your comment is, (never-mind). If “Really” was our State’s Attorney here is what he would prefer: Cop witnesses a shooting, Cop shouldn’t take no action, Cop should writer the tag # down, Cop then should go to house of bad guy, Cop should issue tickets.
He fired his gun because he was being dragged, go back to the original story check out the witness statements.
I’m completely disgusted with Joe Cassilly. What in the hell is he thinking? The old man must be bitter because he didn’t make the cut for judgeship. I have zero faith in “the system”. So Deputy Behles was supposed to turn his head and have this loser continue to drive, perhaps hitting a person and not a vehicle the next time. Very very sad state of affairs in Harford County, Maryland, and this whole country when this kind of BS happens.
Dear Honorable Mr Cassilly,
Why were the following charges not placed on the original suspect-
1.)2nd Degree assault on a law enforcement officer- Which reads Did intentionally cause physical injury in the second degree to_________(name), a law enforcement officer in the performance of his/her duties in violation of CR 3-203. Felony up to 10 years jail time.
2.)Reckless Endangerment – Which reads Did recklessly engage in conduct, to wit:_______, that created a substantial risk of death or serious physical injury to_______(name). Misdemeanor up to 5 years jail time.
3.)Attempted 2nd degree murder- Which reads Did feloniously and with malice afterthought, attempt to kill and murder__________. Felony up to 30 years jail time.
What a joke, This officer was driving a unmarked vehicle but it had emergency lights, yet after all this stuff happens this idiot still runs. So I guess he didnt understand that DFC. Behles had a badge, identified himself, tried to arrest this idiot and got into a chase with him with his emergency equipment activated. But this guy didnt know it was a cop. These charges are BS against DFC. Behles and unwarranted, unreal.
COULDN’T AGREE MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WOW!!! can say im pretty disappointed with states attorneys office now!! And for the guys on the road….id say that any faith they had in this dept in terms of protection is gone!! you may start seeing less pro-active police work….
Thank you for making it clear that “off-duty” means what it says. You can thank Joe Cassilly when a deputy in an unmarked car looks the other way. What a joke. Now this poor deputy has his life and career tarnished for trying to do the right thing. Wow.
Another cluster f— in the Soap Opera that is ” As the Baner’s Turn”
If that is the case; then perhaps they no longer need that county while off duty
This isn’t a guy that shoplifted, this is one of our own who was acting within his law enforcement powers. This is a guy that did protect and serve the citizens of this county everyday. I urge the citizens of Harford County to call 410-638-3500 and ask to speak with Mr. Joe Cassilly, the states attorney that filed these charges. This is ridiculous, we support this county everyday and will continue to do so but things are really really bad, we need to know that we have the support of the citizens that we proudly serve. I think I can speak for the majority: This to shall pass, we must stick together(even if our union doesn’t care), and we will get through this but we have had enough. Stay Safe my brothers and sisters, both corrections and law enforcement. We stand as one!
I called yesterday and was basically blown off by the first 2 people I spoke with. The third” wrote down my concerns and would address them when a prosecutor was assigned.” They would not let me talk to Joe Cassilly.
It just goes to show – many, many public servants around the country are not “serving the public.” Put this one in line with so many others here in MD that are doing time, out on bail, wearing ankle bracelets. Remember – “we” are electing these clowns! Nobody wants to hear this because the only thing that makes sense is “term limits” but our vote, each and every election will hold these people accountable! They have no other boss like the rest of us working stiffs. Good job or bad they get paid, and get re-elected (refer to O’Malley, et. al. for more than enough evidence).
Absurd! Silly Cassilly needs to roll out!
This, my friends, is why you see police officers who are arnt being as pro-active. Criminals get away with murder (sometimes literally) yet the men and women who put their life on the line everyday get screwed over. I for one am disgusted with the treatment Deputy Behles is getting. Time for the union and dare I say it, for Jesse Bane to stand up for their brother.
Im sure the national news would eat this story up! Maybe Joe and needs to go on the O’Reilly Factor
Whats the point in going to work anymore and working your @ss off. Between the IA complaints, politics and now the state’s attorney’s office. In the back of my mind its still a job I love but I also would love the chance to actually do my job. I get NO support from my union, NO support from my Sheriff and his command staff and now NO support the states attorney. Before you jump in my crap imagine having to come to work everyday wondering if it will be your last day, not becuase you might get killed but becuase someone might have it out for you. I want the old Sheriffs Office back, a place where you knew that you had expectations to follow but you could also do your job and be proud. Now I put my badge and collar brass on and I feel ashamed and it shouldn’t be this way. Things need to change across the board this is no longer a joke but the sad truth. PLease pray for the Harford County Sheriff’s Office we need it. THANK YOU!
This is complete BS!! I know Chris. He strives to be the best at his job and to do the right thing, on the job and off.
Now he has to deal with this crap and have it follow him for the rest of his career and life because some States Attorney decides he wants to ‘act a big man’. ooohhhh
For WHAT?? To WRONGFULLY punish Chris for DOING HIS JOB!!!!! This j.a. (Harvey) could have seriously injured Chris!!! Thankfully he only had minor injuries.
There is something SERIOUSLY wrong with our system when this S.A. thinks it necessary to file bs charges on Chris, even after his department found that he acted within reason.
This guy that caused this entire situation was wrong in EVERY sense of the word. Not to mention his RECORD! This is NOT the first time he’s pulled crap like this!!
Chris does NOT deserve to have to deal with this crap.
Officers are thrown into dangerous, life threatening situations every day. They risk life and limb to protect us. Granted…. On occasion there are officers with ‘not so great’ intentions…. Chris is NOT one of them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey S.A…….. here’s a suggestion…. focus your energy on the CRIMINALS out there!
Now police officers in this county will second guess themselves for firing their weapon. I dont want to see a deputy get hurt, this is bad. Maybe the FOP and Sheriffs Union need to merge and become one. Be safe brothers and do what you think is right, the facts will come out. Your life is more important. I live in this county but work in Baltimore City but your department is crazy.
I don’t think anyone knows how corrupt or how far Cassily will go to get a deputy charged or in the news on a negative note. Cassily will end up being charged sooner or later, its just a matter of time. If people only knew the behind the scenes political intimidation that occurs….Its scary. Trust me….I know!
Honestly, I give up. It hardly seems worth it to go out and do the job when it’s ok’d by admin to let the bad guys take whatever liberties they want with our lives. It’s getting to be, from the smallest agency to the biggest, that a cops life and word doesn’t mean shit. “So what” it seems if you have a family at home, mouths to feed or just want to make it through a shift unscathed, the constant disrespect, lack of help from the public at large and disregard for an officers life is just an afterthought anymore. I’m just glad the the deputy made it home unhurt and the peice of shit scum bag got to experience jail first hand.
When will Union prsident Kevin Thomas grow a set and make a statement. If this was any other county or city the union would be all over this Kevin people within have had enough this charge is ridiculous. Speak up or resign. Are you that scared of losing your kosher position this mans job is on the line, thats is what you were elected to represent. You take the sit back approach and have for a longtime, its time to speak like other local union presidents would, what are you waiting for, what is wrong with you? I disagreed with Marc Eaton for a while but maybe now is the time in a no confidence vote for you, the sheriff and the states attorney. This is Crazy. This is a Union member, wrongly accused. Wake up Kevin and the Union Board if it even exist anymore. Im starting to wonder hat is the point in having a union? Hocaday? Craig? Bane? They have done nothing for thr HCDSU, yet you continue to kiss there @ss. Do you like that this department is going to crap?
Wow…..that is the only thing I can say. Right on point.
let see how many friends call or offer support to him. Does someone hear crickets?
Damn right! The Deputies Union needs to get on record immediately stating their position on this issue. I also want to know where Sheriff Bane is on this. Does he support his Deputy or does he feel the charges are justified?
There is a real credibility issue here. Based on the previous information coming out of the Sheriff’s Office, there is no way in hell that this Deputy would have been charged with such as offense. What has changed, and why hasn’t the additional information been provided to the media?
I support the Sheriffs and see them in my neighborhood frequently on patrol, I appreciate it. It sounds like you all have failure from the top of you leadership to your union. Thats a shame, I am in an electrcians union local and we dont have to put up with this. I dont know what advice to give you other then just keep doing your job and change happens every couple years, clearly you need it soon. Thank you for your service
I think Cassilly has been in office too long. These politicos lose contact with the real world after a number of years and forget that they’re there to serve the general public.
The citizens of Harford County need to stand up to the man that we put in office and help the people that protect us everyday. Someone needs to organize and start a protest in front of S.A. office. I guess he must be ready for retirement cause after his term next year it is highly doubtful that he would be re-elected. He clearly doesn’t have the safety of the community in mind.
I would think it would be in the interest of public safety if the SA wanted every police-involved shooting to go before a judge & jury. Public accountability will show the people that the guardians of the peace are conducting themselves appropriately and in full compliance with the law so there is no perceived double standard.
Christopher M. Behles – you have done NOTHING WRONG my friend. I hope that I am on the jury for your case. I got your back bro.
As for O’Malley, Obama and the ACLU – all the criminals get a pass. Law enforcement are the ones who get treated like the criminals.
How about a copy of the statement of charges so we can see what the thinking is on this?
They had the charging documents for Todd Johnson available on line to read pretty quick.
When I started driving, my folks told me a “car is a weapon”.
Right is wrong, wrong is right, good is evil and evil is good. America is soon to go the way of ancient Rome..
Harford County State’s Attorney Joseph Cassilly does not have the good sense that God gave a goose! Who is Mr. Cassilly going to call to testify as the witness for the prosecution; Mr. William Redding Harvey, the alleged perpetrator? Won’t Mr. Harvey have a severe creditability problem? Mr. Cassilly should have remanded this case back to the Office of the Harford County Sheriff to handle as a possible violation of the departments rules and regulations which require a Deputy only to use his service weapon if his life or the life of another is in jeopardy. As this case has been presented in the media, it appears that Deputy First Class Christopher M. Behles exercised good judgment. Nevertheless, Mr. Cassilly is willing to tie up the courts with a case that he can not win. And Mr. Cassilly wonders why he will never he selected for a judgeship? The electorate needs to remember Mr. Cassilly’s actions during the next election.
As a 7 year army vet injured in Iraq. And 10 plus years of service to the fire department in this county I am disgusted at where the future of this county/ country is going. From seeing over seas what kind of doubt you feel when you question the ROE that is clearly written out. ” is my chain of command going to have my back” I feel for the Sheriff’s Office and am sickened at S.A in this county. Cassilly its time to hang it up, you have lost the support of the people, and most importantly the people that serve this community that you clearly don’t have in your best interest.
Way to go Mr. Assily… instead of giving this guy the medal he deserves and praising his restraint for not emptying the clip into this POS (what, is he your brother-in-law?) you want to prosecute. Sure, ruin a young officer’s career for political gain. In a perfect world you’d be in the stony lonesome with the rest of the criminals.
And whats up with Sheriff Bane? Why would he supply information to the States Attorney that incriminate his deputy in a crime? This Deputy puts his life on the line every day for the public, and Bane sends Assily evidence that portrays his Deputy as a criminal!! Amazing!
Thank God, Cassilly was passed over for the open judge position in the County.
I’m certainly not a fan of Mr. Cassily, but this story is sounding more and more like the initial reports of this incident from the Sheriff were not forthcoming regarding the details. Now the Sheriff is passing the buck on to Cassily, and taking the low road with regard to supporting his officers.
This whole thing is fishy. Assily wont go into details, HCSO wont comment and the Harford County Deputy Sheriffs Union board wont comment. Where is a copy of the charging document?
Bane has issued a gag order, they must obey him.
Remember all these folks when you go to the polls in 2014!
Court Documents: Deputy Charged in Shooting Incident Recklessly Endangered Life of Suspect
http://www.daggerpress.com/2013/05/01/court-documents-deputy-charged-in-shooting-incident-recklessly-endangered-life-of-suspect/
NO policeman’s job is to murder people who are committing a non-violent misdemeanor. We have a right to face our accuser in court, not to be shot. They would not have charged the officer if the car was actually going towards him, so we can safely conclude the car was going away. Leaving the scene of an accident is NOT a crime punishable by death. A cop cannot mete out a punishment. That is for judges only. Learn to function in a civil society, or go move to Somalia and live with the rest of the uncivilized cavemen.
Clint you are an idiot, I guess you have the charging document? If so can you please provide and sensible copy? The only person that should live in a cave or Somalia is possibly you! Did this officer murder the suspect if so where did you get that information?
You cops here are pathetic. If I were to fire my CCW at someone in this same scenario then I’d be in jail with lots more charges. If you don’t like that an out of control cop is being charged then find another job. You fascist P.O.S. cops think that you can do whatever you want, and then use the dumb excuse that you were in fear for your safety. Your all a bunch of whiny ass pussies. Why is it citizens face shit like this everyday and never try to kill like you assholes do?
For everybody reading this, well Film The Police Always and hold them accountable. The Police are the biggest gang out there. Don’t let these oath breakers violate your constitutional protected rights. They think they own the people and trust me,…THEY DONT !
Well when a criminal is doing this most of the time they are trying to kill someone out of rage or just because they are insane……..well like a person such as you. No Cop does this job because they want to kill people. The Sheriff’s Office was taking applications for citizens and people like you to ride along and see what the job is like. You may see things like, stopping a car at night by yourself with four people inside. Going to a domestic. Trying to arrest a drunk driver who turns on you and you must fight with him as he is trying to get back to his car. Then when he is hand cuffed you find a sawed off shot gun that he said he was trying to get to so he could kill you. Go into a dark building, woods and look for the bad guy who just committed a crime and fled who is armed with your K-9. Pull up to a house where the ex husband is using an axe to break in the front door to get to his ex-wife and have him turn on you and approach you with an axe as you try to get him to drop the axe. Approach a mentally disturbed man who comes out of a tent with a machete and again try to get him to drop it so you DON’T have to kill him. In my 22 years I had many chances to take a human life and didn’t. Ask any police officer when was the last time they were in fear for their life and you will find they can give you many incidents. We are all very well trained and responsible men and women who do this thankless job to try and make a small difference. In my time at the Sheriff’s Office we loved coming to work and going out on the streets doing this job just because we loved it. We had a Sheriff and a command staff that appreciated and backed us and we were able to do our jobs. When we screwed up punishment was the same for all of us. No clicks or special treatment for sign bangers and money donations. We were proud to wear they uniform and be a Harford County Deputy. One person has destroyed this since 2006, L J BANE. He has destroyed what had been built by good men and women who worked hard and proud for many years. None of what we say on here is because we back a certain person for Sheriff. I say it because the brothers and sisters that I left behind when I retired deserve to have the same great career that I did for 22 years. So if you think we are out of control killers you do not have any idea what we deal with. Now, who is the real pussy here?
@Clint you sound like a typical “Lib” which is the problem and downfall of this country. Have you ever had to fear for your life or make a split second decision that may cost u your life?
Here you go Harford County Residents, you want answers here is your chance to ask them. I say flood the place and demand answers about the way he is running the Department.
http://harfordsheriff.org/events/townhall_meetings/
Fabulous, what a website it is! This webpage presents useful information to us, keep it up.
the cop should be charged with attempted murder. Also, as far as I’m concerned it legal to flea an unmarked squad car too a public facility…..