The Harford County Sheriff’s Office deputy charged last week with reckless endangerment fired multiple shots at a suspect’s vehicle after separating himself from the truck as it fled the scene of a crash with the officer in early April, witnesses told police.
Witnesses accounts of the incident which led Deputy First Class Christopher Behles, 37, to fire his service weapon at William Harvey V, 33, of Jarrettsville were detailed in the charging documents filed against Harvey after the April 8 altercation and pursuit.
Harvey was charged at the time of the incident with second degree assault, resisting arrest, and other charges, but Harford County State’s Attorney Joseph Cassilly on April 29 charged Behles with reckless endangerment in the incident. Though Cassilly said the charge pertained to Behles’ use of his firearm, he did not detail the exact reasons for the charge in his filing.
The Sheriff’s Office said in a statement at the time of the incident that, while heading home at the end of his shift in an unmarked agency vehicle, Behles was rear-ended by Harvey on Norrisville Road at White Hall Road in northern Harford County. Behles identified himself to Harvey, who attempted to leave the scene. The Sheriff’s Office said only that Behles “became caught up in the vehicle’s movements” as Harvey continued to pull away and, in fear of being seriously injured or killed, “fired his service weapon in an attempt to stop the threat.”
According to the charging documents against Harvey, witnesses said Behles identified himself to Harvey as a deputy and the pair engaged in an argument, during which Behles told Harvey he was under arrest. Behles then opened the door of Harvey’s Toyota 4Runner and ordered him to exit the vehicle, but Harvey refused. The witnesses said Behles “attempted to physically remove Harvey from the vehicle,” but was unable to do so. Harvey then attempted to drive around Behles’ car while the officer continued to attempt to remove him.
At that point, witnesses told police that Behles “separated from the vehicle” and fired at the fleeing SUV, but “the rounds shot” did not hit Harvey. Behles pursued Harvey into Baltimore County, eventually arresting him when Harvey crashed his vehicle and fled on foot. Both Behles and Harvey sustained minor injuries in the incident, police said.
According to Sheriff’s Office spokesman Edward Hopkins, the 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 constitute an internal investigation of the officer’s actions, Hopkins said.
A request by The Dagger to view the Criminal Investigations Division’s review of the incident under the Maryland Public Information Act was denied Tuesday by Sheriff’s Office Records Manager Jeanette Gamble. In a letter denying the request, Gamble wrote that release of the report “would be contrary to the public interest” as it “could interfere with the criminal investigation and prosecution.” However, Gamble released an accident report concerning the accident.
The charging documents against Harvey, the accident report, and Gamble’s letter to The Dagger are below:
Releasing the report of investigation “would be contrary to the public interest”. Really? Why is the public’s right to know the facts contrary to their interest? How would the public interfere with the investigation? Ms Gamble is saying… The public can’t handle the truth?
This is very bizarre.
Ralph- Bizarre is an understatement. Any other case they release records unless it is strictly a personnel matter. But in this case after surely having a command staff meeting it was decided to not release the info. If it looks like bull@hit, smells like bull@hit and is shaped like bull@hit, its most likely bull@hit. DFC Behles is getting thrown under a bus bottom line.
Don’t get your pants all up in a wad over this. This is a typical response when there is an active police investigation. If you can’t read between the lines here then you have been on a long vacation from the planet.
I have so many questions, but it appears they will go unanswered. Again, you can read all about Johnson’s charges why not this one? I understand though that Bane is making the rounds to roll call to “ask” his people not to talk about this. He also stated that he would not have fired his weapon in this situation. He is right about his statement that he would not have fired. Chances are pretty slim you will ever be in fear for your life riding a desk your entire career. I call bull crap on this whole thing.
Has he lost his mind?
Can he see or is he blind?
Can he walk at all
Or if he moves will he fall?
Is he alive or dead?
Has he thoughts within his head
We’ll just pass him there
Why should we even care?
He was turned to steel
In the great magnetic field
When he travelled time
For the future of mankind
Nobody wants him
He just stares at the world
Planning his vengeance
That he will soon unfold
Now the time is here
For Iron Man to spread fear
Vengeance from the grave
Kills the people he once saved
Nobody wants him
They just turn their heads
Nobody helps him
Now he has his revenge
Heavy boots of lead
Fills his victims full of dread
Running as fast as they can
Iron Man lives again!
Soul Crusher, you are truly mentally unstable.
Mucho appreciatori
Ralph,
Ms. Gamble is not saying anything. It is Sheriff Bane hiding in his office and letting everyone take the blame for everything that is wrong around here.
By signing such a letter, she has put her credibility on the line. While I don’t know Ms. Gamble personally, I find it incredulous that someone would sign their name to such a document if they were not playing ball with the Sheriff.
She does not make that decision, she just responds to the request. Remember, Bane makes the decisions.
So if you worked for Bane and he told you to sign such a letter, would you have done it?
It is a form issued by Records when a request is denied nothing more. Records does not make the call as to why it was denied.
Marc,
It is not a form. It is a letter, and it is available for you to review in the article above. The letter does not state that ‘the Sheriff has determined that release of the information would be contrary to the public interest’. The letter states that “I have determined….”, and the letter is signed by Ms. Gamble.
Okay.
I can not see it on my Ipad for some reason.
Ralph,
It is meant to look like she is the one making the stand so Sheriff Bane can maintain is deceptive appearance with the public. Don’t be so naive as to let it work. Bane does not allow anyone to make decisions and I bet if the Dagger shares their request letter, it will show that the request went to Bane himself. How about it Aaron???
While there is no need to get into a contest over who really made the decision, I do feel that Ralph makes a fair point. No doubt Ms Gamble conferred with Sheriff Bane regarding the request for information. No doubt the decision to deny part of the request was made at the Sheriff level. Ms Gamble erred in not wording her letter to state that the Sheriff had made the decision. But that said, I would add, therein lies the problem. Employees are either playing ball with the Sheriff and removing him from the line of fire, or the employee is unwilling to stand up for their principles, rationalizing that their job is more important than their principles. Someone commented on one of the previous articles relating to this issue “that bosses come and go”. Some good, some bad. So just hang in there, do the best you can and hope the bad will pass. A pretty shitty situation if you ask me. If employees are unwilling to stand up for themselves then things have no chance of improving and it becomes understandable why most of the media does not consider it a newsworthy issue.
Since you asked, I’ll include my initial request below. But first, a quick word about Maryland PIA.
My request was addressed to Jeanette, not the sheriff, because she’s the “custodian” of the records. You guys are concerned with who “really calls the shots,” and that’s fine. But the law requires that PIA requests go to the person who actually holds physical access to records, the “custodian,” and as Records Manager, that’s Jeanette.
“But wait!” you say. “Who cares who it’s addressed to, the sheriff calls the shots and he can tell her to deny the request because he doesn’t want this out.” Maybe, but that’s not really the way the law works. There are specific exceptions to letting something become public, detailed under Chapter 3 here: http://www.oag.state.md.us/Opengov/pia.htm. Not among them is “the boss doesn’t wanna.” I mean, I guess you could try refusing a release of records on those grounds, but supervisor fiat would have to hold up in court–as the AG’s document says, the law is intended to be construed to favor release. Unless you meant it flippantly, Ms. Gamble did not “err” in failing to say that it was really the Sheriff who made the decision to deny my request. I would have immediately and likely successfully challenged that as a sole justification for not releasing the records. Her response cites a specific section of the PIA law, 10-618(f), as justification. It’s on page 15, right hand column of this link: http://www.oag.state.md.us/Opengov/Appendix_C.pdf (Also, if you really want to nerd out on this topic, that AG doc has more info than you could ever want.)
The fact is, in submitting this request, I was attempting to get a report that’s now a piece of evidence at the center of a criminal proceeding. I had limited hopes that my request would be granted, but hey, asking is free and too little info was coming out about what happened that day. A few good recent, semi-similar examples: the Sun recently ran a long feature story about the shooting at Perry Hall High School which included security camera stills of the shooting, but those images weren’t released until after the case had been adjudicated. The same thing was true of the MSP chase footage we posted awhile back, which we only got (long) after the case was over. Likewise, our attempts to PIA the video of the Dwight Madison TASER incident at the detention center were denied on the same grounds as this request, because it’s an active case.
I’m not thrilled with the information that’s come out about this case–far from it–but I do feel the need to explain the above as a courtesy to Ms. Gamble. The truth is, I wouldn’t have accepted a response to my request directly from the sheriff as you’ve asked for, because he’s not the “custodian” of the records in this case. (And it’d have been sort of suspiciously unusual if he were in possession of this one particular record but no others of its type). Jeanette’s name is on the letter not because she’s being forced to be the face of this, but because it’s her job for it to be on there.
“Hello Ms. Gamble,
Under the Maryland Public Information Act, State Government Article §§10-611 to 630, and directed to you by Eddie Hopkins, I wish to inspect all records in your custody and control pertaining to the following:
(a) the Criminal Investigation Division’s review of the April 8 incident involving DFC Christopher Behles and William Harvey V, including but not limited to the specific timeline of events which occured and any video evidence recovered from DFC Behles’ agency vehicle.
(b) any additional materials submitted to the office of State’s Attorney Joseph Cassilly in regard to that incident.
If all or any part of this request is denied, I request that I be provided with a written statement of the grounds for the denial. If you determine that some portions of the requested records are exempt from disclosure, please provide me with the portions that can be disclosed.
Thank you for your prompt response.
Sincerely,
Aaron Cahall
Contributing Editor, The Dagger”
Aaron Cahall- Thanks for the response and your accurate reporting in this case. I do hope that you continue to pursue this in a realistic legal fashion. I know cost may be an issue but maybe you can file an appeal in reference to the denial via the courts. Again that for an impartial approach to this matter and keep up the good reporting.
Aaron,
Thank you for your input, and my sincere apologizes to Ms. Gamble for assuming that she erred in her wording of the letter. It was indeed her who denied your request.
Aaron,
Thank you for educating us about the process for requesting information. Always better to have the facts than some folk’s conjecture here, which is often wrong and inflammatory.
Anyone who has been in law enforcement, Marc you should know, that police reports can be denied during certain situations if investigations are ongoing or that the release of the information could/would taint the legal process. This happens all the time across all jurisdictions, it is not a Bane conspiracy as you like to spin it.
You should know this, as you continually point out, you were a cop. Also way to go and not read a legal document(s) fully, only reading the first page.
Have not read the document yet. My point is why did the Johnson paperwork get released in full detail and not this one? Why so hush hush on this document? The Baltimore City officer was charged with the same charge and his entire charging document was released. Just seems odd to this former cop.
I agree, and have asked that very same question before. It is unfortunate that you can’t see the application for charges on Harvey. If you are ever able to, just use the scroll bar and scroll down to the letter from Gamble.
Lots of odd things come out of the HCSO these days.
Once I get to my home computer I will. You are right, things just don’t make sense.
Mike, Idid read the statement of charges last night. I have even more questions then I did before. Not for the Detective but for the process from the States Attorney. I now wait for comman fellas to school me on this.
J Edgar, it is easier to deflect from listing Bane’s accomplishments then list any. Mike asked you a simple question and you could not answer it.
When he answers me, I will respond to him. Why don’t you all get together and spin some facts.
Did the HCSO charge DFC Johnson, or did the SAO? It’s the details that make a difference. The HCSO hasn’t filed charges against Chris. Why aren’t you hounding Joesph Casilly ?
Linus, I will tell you why. These posters are and have been anti-Bane. Some of them look for any excuse to blame Bane. Anything that has the HCSO involvement brings these people out. It was stated some time ago that Cassilly is campaigning for a Republican to be in the sheriff’s office. Many of these posters are also Gahler supporters. Since he Cassilly can’t get appointed judge, maybe he should run for the job of Sheriff.
J edgar – Why don’t you stick to the facts… The Forwood Scandal, the Visnaw Scandal, the Detention center mismanagement, Jesse Bane’s selective memory, Jesse Bane’s traffic mismanagement, The Department is in disarray and all you can do is to blame others for pointing out Bane’s short-comings…
Kingpin, No matter what the story is, there are posters, mostly the same ones, who blame Bane. They like to make innuendos and spin the story to their liking. The voters will decide, many of whom will be deputies and other employees of the HCSO. My bet is on Bane.
@J edgar,
You have no idea how I wish there was reason after reason to praise Sheriff Bane. The HCSO has in the past been a truly outstanding agency without the many ills which plague it today.
Here is your chance to list the many reasons and accomplishments that have been instituted by Sheriff Bane, for which he deserves much praise. I am not talking about something being completed under his watch that was initiated by a previous administration, but something truly initiated by Sheriff Bane and carried through to completion by him during the past six years.
I’m sure there are many, so list them for us to see. Tip the scale from all of the negatives that have been listed on his watch.
I
Mike, My comment got to didn’t it. You are one of the ones that I was referring to always jumping on Bane. You know a deputy or so, and think that you know everything that goes on in the HCSO. Maybe you need to discriminate on where you draw your information. It would do no good to give you a list of Bane’s accomplishments because you would tell me that It was the accomplishment(s) of former sheriffs. You give Bane no credit for anything. I could say to you, give me a list of accomplishments of Gahler, but you couldn’t since he hasn’t served as Sheriff. So, give me his accomplishments as a Maryland State Trooper. Or, since I think you will whimp out, give me accomplishments of anyone else you would like to see as Sheriff. You want everyone to believe that you are objective. You aren’t. Just come out and admit it.
@ Mike Welsh- Sheriff Bane did institute the Hug A Thug program. Does that count?
What about detective Behles Plug A Thug policy, is that working for you?
Hi Aaron,
Since you are in the asking mood, perhaps you should ask for past charging/investigative records surrounding Forwood and Visnaw… Good chance you will be stonewalled on those as well…. All part of King Jesse Bane’s round-table…
http://www.daggerpress.com/2013/03/13/gahler-sheriff-bane-continues-to-fail-the-men-and-women-at-the-detention-center-and-the-in-custody-population/
This case just gets more and more fishy as the days go on. From the start I knew this was a BS case but now I am sure of it. Deputy Behles is not one of the “chosen few” so he gets picked on for anything they can pull out. It is a shame that Sheriff Bane and now Joe Cassilly are not supporting the officers of the county. One wonders why so many officers are leaving for other agencies. I guess it means nothing the the SA and Sheriff that one day Deputy Behles could save their lives. Deputy Behles, please know that we citizens stand behind you. Keep your head up brother, you know this is political and has nothing to do with your actions that day.
Sandi
Why would the Sheriff and Cassilly be taking political revenge against Deputy Behles? What is so political about Deputy Behles?
@ Ralph: The Sheriff doesnt like Behles because of a stand he took against deputies getting hurt in the Wellness program, at the time an agency mandated program. Cassilly is just showing his power and why he should be the judge that was appointed. Thats just a possible scenario. No one really knows, If more info was put out maybe all these accusations and questions would not exist. But the fact is everything is being kept secret.
Ralph- Lenny hit it on the head about the wellness program issue. It is well noticed that anyone who goes against Bane gets crap from then on unless you kiss his butt, then of course you get promoted. I have no idea what Cassily’s issue is and won’t really guess on that either.
Until I see proof that Bahles really did something wrong I will stand by my brother and fellow citizen. Too many questionable things have been going on in the Sheriff’s Office recently. We need to demand answers as to why this is happening. We are the people who elect these officials but everyone seems to forget that.
Ralph: You are not allowed to question Bane’s authority or you will pay the price as Chris is finding out.
OK. Got it. I find it incredible that members of the senior command staff play along with this kind of thing, but I am certainly convinced that it is so.
Mark’s 8th cousin, what is “hug a thug.” Tell us all so that we can be on the “inside.”
Come on j edgar. Even the GEICO Cavemen know what “hug a thug” is when put into context with Sheriff Bane.
@ J edgar
I don’t know Mr. Gahler, and do not know the details of his career. I am not currently supporting Mr. Gahler for Sheriff, nor am I supporting any other candidate, Bane included, if he is a candidate, and I don’t know that he is.
How bout I do this for you, just to get you started regarding regarding any of Sheriff Bane’s accomplishments. He started the Sheriff’s Office Christmas Children’s Program. He has been a faithful supporter of that program since its inception several years ago. As far as I know it is his signature program and he deserves kudos for it. There, you can get started now with telling us all the rest of his accomplishments. If you really don’t know what his accomplishments might be, feel free to just say so. Kind of like I did about Mr. Gahler. Its also OK for you to be upset from hearing all of the negative things that have been said about his administration. Heck, it upsets me, I wish they were not so, but alas most of them prove to be accurate and factual, sad as it is for me to say.
@j edgar,
I will help you out too by listing some of Sheriff Bane’s success. He instituted a Traffic Task Force after Mr. Gahler stressed the need going back several years earlier and then the MSP brought it to him so he could pretend he thought of it. Oh wait, I guess that is really a Mr. Gahler accomplishment. Okay then, Sheriff Bane took a stand against speed cameras after he said he was exploring their use in Harford County and then Mr. Gahler came out against them. Oops, I guess that is another Mr. Gahler accomplishment.
I guess we have to thank Mr. Gahler for improving highway safety and stopping the use of speed cameras and he is not even in office yet. Sorry J. Edgar, I guess it is pretty hard to come up with something Bane has done that really wasn’t someone else’s idea.
J Edgar, There is a reason why Sheriff Bane acts as a giant, publically elected lint brush to criticism and operational challenges. He has earned them. Samuel Adams said … it does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people’s minds…
— Samuel Adams
Thanks for all of the help. Your spin. No matter what I write, it will be someone other than Bane’s accomplishment. Donnie, keep working hard. The people of this county will vote, including members of the HCSO. Tell me they dislike Bane.
The members of HCSO will vote if they are not told that they cant and its a gag order. If its a fair vote, its 80/20, take it to the bank, not a bet a promise people have had enough of the bs. You will see and when you do you will know you lost he bet/promise whatever you want to call it, but I do bet you lose. The men and women that put on the uniform have had enough whatever uniform they wear they wear it proudly and no one not even a tyrant will get in the way of a good cop. Stand back eat your popcorn and enjoy. We as deputies that respect our job and the community we serve will make a stand when the ednorsment process comes. Right now isnt the time so we will stay under the radar the best we can, sad thing is we still have to watch politicaly motivated targets lose there job. 2 years cant come soon enough. Think i’m playing just wait.
People for ethica……
Get counseling. I hope you don’t carry a gun. Maybe you and HugeAss can get a group rate.
j edgar- What do they need counseling for a politically hostile work environment?
j edgar, I get the first part of you post. You can’t think of anything to write so your putting a spin on it just like your hero, Jesse Bane. The next part is harder to figure out. Who is Donnie and why do you want him to work hard? And yes, the people of the county will vote. Very astute observation. “Tell me they dislike Bane”. Who is “they”? Are you suffering from memory loss like your idol, Jesse Bane?
Hugh Jass, I suggest counseling. You seem to have some paranoia and anxiety issues. The ‘they’ I am referring to are the same group who elected him the last time. You do remember that election don’t you? Rattle on all you want, you and other malcontents, as well as tea party members who don’t want to understand the spending they attribute to Bane. The electorate will put Bane back in for 4 more years. Get over it.
j edgar, I hope you are man enough to admit you are wrong next November when your boy Jesse Bane is resoundingly voted out of office. Better start writing checks to his campaign now, he’s gonna need it.
HugeAss, Who is Donny? You don’t read the posts and you want to make fun of me? That is one of your aliases or your little groups other names.
**Please Read** Dear Mr. Cassilly,
On April 17, 2013 at 0909 am a traffic stop was made on the owner of the suspect vehicle that was involved in the Chris Behles incident. Kelly Marie Canatella was cited for OPERATING UNREGISTERED MOTOR VEHICLE the citation # is 0000000090EYS. A check of Maryland Judiciary Case search reveals that she is suspended due to an incident that occurred on 05-31-2006. The citation #’s are 000000EJ30704 and 000000EJ30705. Therefore should she now be charged with driving while suspended during the April 17th incident? Maybe this is an MVA error or was never put into the system but I think its worth looking into. Thank You
Quick question for Mr. Cahall. Shouldn’t there be a charging document for the deputy indicating the probably cause for the charge? Again, I have not seen where a Grand Jury was invovled so I am assuming that this was either via statement of charges or through a criminal information document submitted by the SA’s office; both of which I would imagine would be public information. There has to be something to shed some light on this and why he was charged.
Either way, keep up the good work and holding the SO accountable, no matter who the Sheriff is or will be.
You are indeed correct about a document outlining the probable cause. While I can’t address the reason SA has not released such information, the HCSO has determined that releasing such information is contrary to the public interest. This determination is outlined in a letter from the HCSO and signed by Ms. Gamble, custodian of the document. In plain English, what that means is, it’s just too early for you to know what really happened. Hopefully, in time you will know the full story, but don’t hold your breath.
Why does everyone keep asking why he was charged? They have said why he was charged several times. He fired his weapon when he was not in any danger or harms way and it was fired at the suspects vehicle while the suspect was in it which supports reckless endangerment. Look at it like this…If the deputy had not fired his weapon at all would he have been charged? No. Did firing his weapon put someone in harms way including the public? Yes. Was the deputy in imminent harm or death when he fired his weapon? No. This is nothing more than the deputy telling the suspect to stop and get out of the vehicle but the suspect decides to flee instead. The deputy, having his weapon drawn, then out of anger or frustration because the suspect is getting away fires his weapon without thinking and without regard for the safety of the public and the suspect. Did the suspect deserve to be shot because he chose to flee? No. Could another vehicle in the area or a pedestrian in the area been shot by the stray bullets? Yes. The deputy was lucky that he didn’t end up shooting a child or a driver of another vehicle due to the fact that there were many other vehicles at the intersection. The deputy is guilty of the charge no matter how you slice it. He got angry because the suspect was getting one over on him in public with people watching so the deputy had to “one up” the suspect and fired his weapon without thinking. Its no different than when a suspect bails during a chase or is caught during a chase and the police start beating the crap out of the driver because he didn’t obey and chose to flee. I don’t know why everyone keeps asking why why why when its obvious as to why. Wake up people.
Anonymous, you cut through a lot of crap and got to the bottom line. These posters who hate Bane, some of whom pretend to be deputies, want a sheriff that doesn’t think that police have to follow laws like citizens are supposed to do. They want a leader who doesn’t understand that they are there to serve the people, not the ego of a few disgruntled people. They want a real man like Meadows, who swore in public and wanted cowboys operating the Sheriff’s Office. Oh yeah, harassing women proves that someone is a real man also.
Well, if Bane is the leader of the Department then the people who work for him should start conducting themselves as Bane does….oh wait some of them already do. Should we start listing them? Bane has done such a great job of leadership. Meadows had his faults and they brought him down, but we were allowed to do the job. They had our backs and we knew it. Now, the Bane administration has your back but he has both of his hands firmly placed on your shoulders from behind.
Seriously, did you really retire? Or did you just get forced out?!? Any way you look at it, Marc, your ranting will never get you anything more than an honorary membership to the Gahler fan club. Keep emptying porta potties, your good at it…..
Soul Crusher, keep up I sold my business. And yes I retired was not forced out. Once again if we say anything against LJB it is ranting. With that screen name you would have to be one of Bane’s crew. Keep up the good work, your as clueless as you boy.
Oh, you sold your business, so now with all this free time you wish to smear your crap all over the place instead of picking up the crap left by others. Marc, I hope you don’t think Gahler will give you a job, everybody knows you’re only good at what your last name implies, EATON. I know a couple fast food joints are hoping you come back to the misery you once left, they had to let employees go because of the lack of WHOPPER sales. Burger King thought they were going to have to hire a security guard, but now that SUPER TROOPER MARC EATON has time to kill they will be protected once again. What a maroon………
@serendipity, Thanks for putting a good word in for me with Gahler. When I retired I was offered a job as a civilian working in the Motor Pool and I turned it down. I have no desire to work there again. I enjoy my job teaching EVOC with the State of Maryland and I am only 10 miles from work. As for the attempt to make fun of my name well I think the last time that was done to me was in the 5th grade. You can get my phone number and call or better yet make up a fake email address and email me. Marc0189@verizon.net. Dispute our comments, just calling me names makes you a small person.
@anonymous
Based on your comments, are we to assume you were on the scene when the deputy fired his weapon. Better yet, are we to assume you actually know what the deputy was feeling or what his motive was for firing his weapon? Are you saying the police beat up suspects when they bail or run?
Lets look at something else here. How about the danger the suspect put everyone in driving drunk, fleeing the scene, etc.
If you have some facts to back up anything you have posted here, feel free to put them out here. On the other hand, if you don’t, I suggest you don’t waste everyone’s time throwing out nothing but opinions. Just for the record, the majority of law enforcement will do everything they can to avoid firing their weapon for so many reasons. My guess is you have no understanding of what goes into the decision to fire a weapon, which by the way the decision needs to be made instantly, so do not judge, especially Deputy Behles.
@YouNeverKnow – The Sheriffs Office and SAO is refusing to give this information out. Thats all I can say unless Aaron gives you more info.
Unless you have been on the receiving end of the HCSO’s so called fair investigation or had Mr. Cassilly step In and perform his flawless investigation and charging against a deputy then you really don’t know how things work up here. You can bash whoever you want or say all the negative things you can come up with but in the end Mr. Cassilly is the real problem because he ultimately has the final word on everything. He doesn’t care whats said about him or how popular he is with the public, he will just take it out on a deputy when he gets the chance. Cassilly hates the HCSO and will do anything to discredit the department or any of the deputies within. The behind the scenes activity that takes place is more illegal than anyone knows….why?…because I’ve seen it first hand. I won’t go into it any further than that for obvious reasons but everyone on here should just forget about Bane for minute and focus on Cassilly. Yes Bane has his issues as well but if your going to put forth an effort to bring out the truth then you should start with Cassilly. Cassilly is a man who knows he is in a position of power and also knows that because of his network of supporters that his job is safe. Add the fact that he hates the HCSO and you have a recipe for abuse of power and the receiving end of it is the deputies. I know one day his political back scratching and misconduct will come out and he will finally get what he deserves but it won’t happen if everyone goes after the current sheriff for everything that goes wrong. Is everyone missing the point here??? CASSILLY is the problem! I’m sure if you knew some of the things that Cassilly has said and done to Bane that eventually affected some deputies then you would understand why he is the problem. Bane can only do what Cassilly will allow him to do or he is threatened with something that Cassilly has hanging over his head. I could go on and on but I’ll spare you guys the pain. Cassilly is the first and most important problem with the HCSO.
So if you’re lonely
You know I’m here
Waiting for you
I’m just a cross-hair
I’m just a shot away from you
And if you leave here
You leave me broken shattered alive
I’m just a cross-hair
I’m just a shot then we can die
I know i won’t be leaving here with you
And before you morons start claiming threats and crap. Them there words are song lyrics, Franz Ferdinand – Take me out.
Interesting. I wish you would / could say more. Is it that Sheriff Bane and the State’s Attorney cannot get along? If that is the case, and the Deputies suffer as a result of the disconnect, why does the Sheriff stick around and put his people in jeopardy? Where did this animosity come from? Why does the State’s Attorney dislike the Deputies and the Sheriff?
Could it be political? Does Cassilly want a Republican in that office? Duh.
Politics aside, maybe Joe just isn’t a stand up guy.
What is really going on here. No comment, after no comment….where is the truth and why are things so secret. Maybe because DFC/Detective Behles is a scapegoat. This whole situation is odd. Release the charging documents. Mrs Jeanette Gamble, really the release of the report “would be contrary to the public interest” as it “could interfere with the criminal investigation and prosecution.” That is BS and you know it. Clearly again HCSO does what they they want. I dont mean at the deputy level but clearly at the command level.
Are you shocked this stuff happens everyday. I think most deputies are wondering if Mr Gahler will keep any or all of the current command staff. If so who? He has yet to answer this and he needs to.
At least you get some of the information. In Havre de Grace, several police have been fired for misconduct and committing criminal acts in the last year and they swept it under the rug.
You guys on here complaining about Cassilly are completely wrong about his position trying to protect HCSO Deputies. Mr. Cassilly has stood up for law enforcement many times over the years, even when his methods are completely illegal. Joseph Cassilly has consistently aided Law Enforcement in the Suppression of Rights UNDER COLOR OF LAW to cover up the illegal methods and stupid mistakes you bozos make every day. He was passed by as a Judge and you same morons got on here talking about how it was some POLITICAL CONSPIRACY AGAINST REPUBLICANS and HE WAS PASSED OVER BECAUSE OF HIS HANDICAP. Now he charges a complete goof, who did something so incredibly moronic, on Wreckless Endangerment Charges when he could’ve charged him with ATTEMPTED MURDER! Behles should be over his house washing his car in appreciation, instead he gets bashed by a bunch of pompous, arrogant fools ,who should shut their mouths and know their roles.
Soul Crusher, you are spewing nothing but anger and hate. It’s fine to state your opinion but you clearly have deep-rooted anger issues. Marc Eaton was a stand-up, take charge deputy, the kind that Jesse Bane hates. I assume you don’t know him, or you wouldn’t be making such disparaging remarks about him. Calling Deputy Behles names is also childish and shows your level of immaturity. I’m sure you don’t know him either. I could go on and on, but I’ll end by saying that you are the “pompous arrogant fool” and you are the one who should shut your mouth and know your role. I might add that you also need to seek psychiatric treatment for your anger issues. Just my pompous foolish opinion.
Funny thing about opinion is that they are just like arseholes, everyones got one. Sounds like Behles goofed to me, I see no reason not to call him a goof. Lenny your outrage seems a little severe, are you sure your not the one with the anger problem?
Soul Crusher, there is a way to state your opinion without being hostile. I see nothing in Lenny’s post that is name-calling, exhibiting extreme anger or anything like that, except when he is using your own verbage. No one’s feelings are hurt, people will take your comments and opinions more seriously when you lose the childish name calling.
To the devil their daughter cums, 2000 worlds away, Born to lose the life you choose to destroy another day.
I wish I would’ve met you
Now it’s a little late
What you could’ve taught me
I could’ve saved some face
They think that your early ending
Was all wrong
For the most part they’re right
But look how they all got strong
That’s why I say hey man, nice shot
What a good shot man
Simply stating the facts as I see them. Please excuse the facts, if they hurt your feelings. That seems to be what this is about, right.
10-96!!!!!!
That’s right! Nuttier than squirrel feces. I’m so crazy and I just can’t seem to get enough meds! Oh, did I forget mine today? Marc, seriously, we’ve never met and I don’t really have any opinion of you other than I think your full of hot air. I’m not a police officer nor would I ever again have anything to do with a court system that I know is corrupt. So, if you think this is personal, its not. I just get tired of reading your boring little posts about management and how you think certain deputies are being wronged, when their not. I was wronged by the HCSO, the State’s Attorney Office, The Harford County Judges and my own lawyer who worked with them behind the scenes. So, yeah, I’m crazy, crazy with a purpose.
What is your purpose other than plagarizing song lyrics and taking up space on this blog with your nonsense?
None, other than getting you guys to shut up at this point. I’m trying to read the article and you guys are always on here, Bane this, Bane that…..Who cares, Bane’s not the problem, Behles is the problem. You former police officers and current officers really think what Behles did was correct? How can Behles shooting up a car of a fleeing suspect possibly be supported by Bane or anyone else? Do you really think the Sheriff’s Department should support such an act? The suspect did not fire or have a weapon that I am aware of. There was no plausible circumstance that could possibly be accepted in this situation. Cassily, your begrudged State’s Attorney, acted quite correctly in my opinion. And believe me, he is no friend of mine. Behles’ actions are unacceptable, but bringing in the Mr. Burns of HCSO (BANE) into the mix is totally ludicrous. What possible support could Bane give Behles right now? Would it not be political suicide for Bane to come out and say, “The Harford County Sheriff’s Department fully supports the actions of Detective Behles involvement in shooting up an unarmed suspect’s car in a flight attempt. And I would like to remind the other citizens of Harford County that if you try and run, you’ll get the gun.” Really Marc, get real, Lenny, GFY.
Sheriff’s and Supervisors in the past would support us even when we were wrong. This does not mean they agreed with what was done, but if we were honest and truthful they stood with us and gave us support. The also issued fair and consistent punishment. We took our licks and went on to live another day. Bane and MOST of his command staff lack integrity. I am sure the good guys on that staff know who I am talking about. Momentum is growing and more people will speak out and the dirty laundry will be hung out. Your right about one thing……when he treats people that I worked with and people who came after me in the manner he has I take it personal, damn personal.
One note of correction. A post was made about a Drill Instructor who had a relationship with a female recruit. This was not under Bane’s command. Thought I would be fair and balanced.
@soulcrusher
Sounds like you have already convicted Behles. I’m trying to remain professional and just deal with the facts, but you have appointed yourself judge and jury without any facts other than what you read in the paper. Give it a rest. I have seen the same things as you where people have been wronged by the judicial system from the bottom all the way to the top, but that doesn’t mean Behles is guilty of a crime.
I have a tremendous amount of respect for Marc and the others on here who aren’t afraid to speak out. If you read their posts you will see they have facts to back up what they are saying.
Do you have a problem with law enforcement because you have a record and feel you were wronged in some way? You can’t possibly be in law enforcement because if you were, even if you thought Behles was wrong, you would keep quiet until the poor guy gets his day in court. He is entitled to that, don’t you agree?
Oh, I agree, he’ll get his day, to accept whatever plea bargain he gets offered. I’m not his Judge or Jury, just don’t see anyway out of this for him. No, I would not lower myself to wear the badge of Harford County, I believe in freedom and rights, Harford County believes in lies and Nazism. Not to mention racism and about every other form of bigotry known to mankind. It is my belief that to be in Law Enforcement in Harford County you have to effectively, “soil your soul” and basically mislead and stretch the truth in order to get paid. I don’t think its necessary to keep quiet about this because anybody can have an opinion, this is a blog you know. I’ve already stated that you don’t get a fair trial in Harford County so what is the point in his getting his day in court? Yes, I, like many others, received Harford justice, had three Constitutional rights violated, had the TRUTH suppressed in favor of FACT, had my RIGHTS SUPPRESSED UNDER COLOR OF LAW (which is a serious crime) and was if not forced, was definitely coerced into taking a plea and my own paid for out of pocket attorney helped them at every corner. That’s justice in the Harford County CONVICTION FACTORIES that you guys call the courts.
@soulcrusher
Any chance I can get you to leave your email address on here? I hear what you are saying loud and clear and would be interested in talking to you further about some of the points you have made; although I am going to have to stop short of agreeing with your comments about law enforcement. There are a lot of good members of law enforcement out there and that’s why it’s so important to weed out the ones who give the rest a bad name.
As for Behles, you are right about him taking what he can get but that has nothing to do with his guilt or innocence. As for the suspect, I would love to see him get some additional charges for endangering the life of a deputy with a vehicle. Don’t ask me the CJIS code as I don’t know it off the top of my head, but I know it exists.
Well, if I were to defend myself in this situation, I would first need to see a toxicology report on the defendant. If Behles can give a reasoning for his firing at the car as an interest of public safety due to DUI or DWI, after said defendant had disobeyed a reasonable order from a Law Enforcement officer and drug said affiant with a vehicle, I think his actions would be considered justified. Behles may have detected an odor of alcohol or drugs and this detection would create a concern for public safety if the defendant were to proceed in flight, especially in light of the resistance of arrest and the drag of the vehicle. Charges of a First Degree Assault with a motor vehicle could be made against William Harvey as a vehicle is a weapon in this case and Behles could have been dragged under the fleeing car as it attempted to swerve around Behles’ vehicle. Since Harvey’s flight resulted in a crash and foot chase, it would be reasonable to concur that Harvey was acting in a manner that was dangerous to the public. However, his attorney is going to argue that the danger to the public was created by Behle’s pursuit of Harvey. If high speeds were involved, an officer is supposed to be reasonable about pursuit speeds and call ahead for assistance to apprehend the individual in a safe manner. I would also go to the defendant’s wrecked car and search it extensively for drug paraphernalia or open containers in the vehicle. Anything found would definitely give credence to any speculation that Behle’s detected something that gave him the impression that said defendant was reckless and a danger to himself and the public. Since the defendant was not wounded or killed, there is no Fourth Amendment concerns involving a seizure. Also, Harvey was driving someone else’s vehicle that I am to understand was not totally legal to drive because of some MVA technical issue, which would also reflect an issue of whether or not the vehicle was safe to begin with. I hope this helps, but I still think he is screwed. As for my e-mail, well I can’t do that, my case still has pending litigation and I would not want anything to screw that up.
One last thing, when someone flees on foot, they usually try to dispose of something incriminating. If officers at the scene of the accident found something like drugs or a gun nearby, it would be safe to say that Harvey ditched evidence. Harvey does have an extensive driving record, was just released from jail and probation on 4/23/13. If you truly want him to pay, stop putting him in the “R” dorm and put him in regular population. My sources tell me that every time he goes to jail, he is housed with the “R” inmates and is prescribed the large dose of celexa to combat his “anger” issues. He goes by the nickname “RED DOG” and is listed at 6′ but is really like 5’7″ or something. I can’t believe Behles didn’t just grab him by that pointy beard of Harvey’s and yank him out of the car.
I have to correct myself, there is no First Degree Assault with a MV anymore. Cassilly has correctly charged Harvey with the appropriate crimes under current statutes. Just google annotated code of Maryland and choose the Lexis Nexis site that has the code on it. Choose Criminal Law to see the current criminal statutes…………..
Soul Crusher, once again, your stupidity and immaturity comes shining through. Do you think you’re cute and clever by making rhymes and acronyms and posting songs? LOL, OMG, KMA.
I don’t need to be cute and clever, Lenny. Its just a personality trait, kinda like the pompous arrogant fool traits I have also. Look, if you like Behles so much why don’t you offer him a hand job or something. For all I care go have sex with his dog like the crazy guidance counselor, I don’t know. What I do know is its very ironic that you bring up my taking up space with this blog with my nonsense, when that’s exactly what you guys do every time you start one of your little water cooler BS sessions on every SIRENS article to further your agenda against Bane. I do agree with you that Bane has no integrity, but I will take it one step further and will say there isn’t a deputy I’ve encountered in Harford County that is capable of telling the truth. Seems to me that most FACTS that are stated in the court record of Harford County are not TRUTHS. Then these so called facts are prosecuted by a completely corrupt STATES ATTORNEY OFFICE, who willingly and knowingly prosecute with the intent of suppressing the TRUTH in favor of their FACTS. Next, the JUDGES further the CORRUPTION, by convicting on FACT and not TRUTH. Which, might I add, is a violation of the MARYLAND CONSTITUTION, which guarantees such actions should not occur in the Declaration of Rights. What I’m getting at is that Behles is screwed, Cassilly wouldn’t have charged him unless his hands were tied. Cassilly will cover up evidence for you guys in the drop of a hat, so will any of his prosecutor’s for that matter and yes I know from experience. Behles will not receive a fair trial, because nobody receives a fair trial in Harford County. You just don’t get it, he will plea out because that is what he will be forced to take, period. I thought you guys were Former Law Enforcement from this jurisdiction, you know how this works. I’m sure you’ve been involved with exactly what I’m talking about during your career at some point, if you were indeed Law Enforcement from Harford County.
Isn’t it pool season Eaton? Go find something else to do with your life than to troll this site every waking second trying to sound like you were the perfect cop….. because we all know that you were far from it. Go away.
Your right not perfect, but I was honest. I don’t have a pool, keep attacking me it feeds me to keep going. Thanks .
Keep going Marc. The Baners have NOTHING so the best they can do is go after you and the other posters. Won’t it be nice some day to sit back and say I TOLD YOU SO, when the truth comes out about Bane and his merry men and WOMAN?
@soulcrusher
You have made some valid points. There are 2 people who know exactly what happened and I am sure they both have very different accounts. I’m not even going to address the pursuit because all of the things you have mentioned about safety have crossed my mind, but the details the public has are so few that it would be wrong for me to draw any conclusions. Based on the character of both parties I have to assume Behles acted in accordance with the law until someone can prove otherwise. As for the charges, you are correct. I’m familiar with Lexis Nexis, but hadn’t checked it to see if there were more serious charges that could be filed. You obviously have done your research. I appreciate you seeing the other side of the incident.
I completely understand your frustration with the judicial system as I have sat in the courtroom and watched cases that have had me so frustrated I actually wrote one of the judges to express my frustration at the inequality of the sentences handed down. I hand delivered the letter with supporting documentation and to this day no one has responded, not that they had to explain themselves. Only 2 cases were heard in front of a judge, both of them plea deals with public defenders with very different sentences. One of the defendants was a 32 year old white woman and the other defendant was a 32 year old black male. I will let you fill in the blanks as to how it worked out for each of them.
I have a friend currently in HCDC so I am aware of the problems. I have to hold Banes accountable for the detention center because he is in charge of HCDC. Why is it when HCDC has more inmates then ever and more deaths than can be considered the norm has Banes refused to hire a warden?
Perhaps when your case is over you can give me your email. In the meantime, I wish you would reconsider your Nazi remark and the statement one needs to sell their soul to work in law enforcement in Harford County. I was involved with a Maryland State Trooper for years and we are still close friends, so I have seen how it works on both sides of the law. Nothing is as cut and dry as people want it to be.
Sheriff Bane does not see the value in hiring a Warden. It is his belief that no one is any smarter at running a jail than he is, so why waste the money for a Wardens salary. Sheriff Bane assumes full responsibility for management and operations at the Harford County Detention Center. That’s the reason the HCDC is such an outstanding facility and serves as a model for all other facilities throughout Maryland.
@mikewelsh
Point well taken. If you compare HCDC to Baltimore City Detention Center, I guess it is a model for the state.