Staff report

Deputies with the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office responded to a stabbing in Bethel Oct. 23, that involved two Clermont County men.

According to a release from Sheriff “A.J.” Tim Rodenberg, deputies were dispatched to Crane Schoolhouse Road and State Route 222 at approximately 9:06 p.m. for a fight that was in progress.

While on the way to the scene, emergency dispatch received additional information that one of the individuals in the fight had been stabbed and was located at State Route 125 and Bantam Road.

Matthew Gerde, 31, of Bethel, was found in the parking lot of Bantam Church at 3112 South Bantam Road with a large laceration on his chest and what appeared to be a puncture wound on his back.

Bethel Tate EMS responded to the scene and transported Gerde to Bethel Middle School where they were met by Aircare. Gerde was flown to University of Cincinnati Hospital where he was treated for non life-threatening injuries.

Investigation revealed that Gerde had driven to 2367 Crane Schoolhouse Road in Bethel and confronted an individual who allegedly stole medication from his mother, and an altercation began.

The other man, later identified as Scott Benjamin, 35, of Amelia, assaulted Gerde with a single bladed knife during the altercation.

The knife was later recovered in a field near the scene.

Benjamin was charged with felonious assault, a second-degree felony, and tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony.

Benjamin remains in Clermont County Jail and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing at 3 p.m. Nov. 1 in front of Judge Anthony Brock.