| Follow Up: Bruce Beatty, CHL Holder, held at gun point |
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| Written by Jeff Garvas | |
| Thursday, 19 January 2006 | |
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Earlier this week we reported that Bruce Beatty, the Toledo area activist who was arrested for carrying a concealed firearm lawfully in a Toledo park, was held at gun point by Springfield Police. Beatty was traveling for work related purposes prior to attending last Tuesday's Criminal Justice Hearings. When he realized he was drowsy, Beatty looked for a place to stop and take a brief nap. Finding most rest stops closed in the area due to highway construction, he exited in Springfield and parked in the parking lot of a closed Denny's. This decision likely made him a target for random police patrols to "investigate". (Click 'READ MORE' to continue) In response to the ordeal Beatty chose to write a letter to the Springfield Police Chief, (PDF) in which he places blame on the law (and Governor Taft) instead of the officers. Beatty even goes so far as to say he'd probably have reacted the same way if put in the officer's shoes. From that letter: A few minutes later, I heard a knock upon the driver’s side window, and turned to see one of your officers point his .40 caliber pistol at me. He ordered my to place my hands on the dashboard, which I did immediately and cautiously. Within moments, two more Springfield P.D. cruisers arrived. Three officers disembarked those vehicles, and drew their sidearms, pointing them at me.While the event ended safely, and Bruce Beatty was sent on his way to tell an amazing story to the Criminal Justice Committee, the fact is that the ordeal could have been avoided if the open carry requirements of HB12 were eliminated entirely. Special thanks to Bruce Beatty for providing OFCC with a copy of the letter |