Teen accidentally shoots father, friend

7/19/2005

DESHLER, Ohio - Alexander Baird called his father into his bedroom Sunday to show him two military-style assault rifles a fellow Bowling Green High student had brought over.

Intending to ask if they could target-shoot with the high-powered rifles, Alexander picked one up and, not knowing it was loaded, fired, hitting both his father and his friend in the lower abdomen, according to the Henry County sheriff's office.

Last night Steve Kehr, 17, was in critical condition and Eugene Baird, 37, was in serious condition, both in St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center, where they had been flown from the Baird home north of Deshler in southeastern Henry County.

Sheriff's deputies found Steve and Mr. Baird lying on the floor upstairs, bullet holes in the walls, and the two weapons. The rifle that had been fired was on the floor by Mr. Baird. Deputies wouldn't say how many shots were fired.

The other was still in its case, but was loaded and ready to fire, the sheriff's report said.

Alexander, who detective Rich Alvord said appeared to be 15 or 16, told deputies that after the rifle fired, he threw it down and went to call for help.

When Mr. Alvord arrived at the house - after Steve and Mr. Baird were on their way to Toledo on medical helicopters - about six people were outside. It was unclear yesterday how many people were at the house when Steve and Mr. Baird were shot.

The shooting appears to be accidental, Detective Alvord said, and no charges had been filed last night.

The investigation is continuing, the detective said.