Ohio wildlife officer shot in poaching investigation

Kevin Behr, a 25-year veteran with the Ohio Division of Wildlife, was shot while looking into a reported deer poaching incident on Sunday in Clinton County, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports. He was flown to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for treatment and is expected to survive.

One suspect faces a felony weapons possession charge, as well as misdemeanor charges of hunting without permission and not having a deer permit. A second man was also charged on suspicion of hunting without permission and not having a deer permit. A third man was charged with initial charges of aiding an offender. Authorities have not said who they suspect shot the officer.

“Wildlife officers and Investigators are commissioned state law enforcement officers with unique and challenging duties who serve bravely to preserve and protect Ohio’s state lands and wildlife resources,” the division said in a Facebook post. “We all wish investigator Behr well as he fights to recover.”

Read more from the Cincinnati Enquirer.