| Open Carry Harassment in Willowick Update |
|
|
|
| Written by Daniel White | |
| Wednesday, 02 July 2008 | |
|
We are aware that many of you are closely following the OFCC Member Detained and Harassed for Open Carry story and we wanted to provide everyone with an update on where we are on this issue. OFCC Coordinator Mike Kinsey has been in contact with the Willowick Chief of Police and other city officials. OFCC Coordinator Todd Coughlin filed a Freedom of Information Act request to obtain materials relevant to the incident, and I spoke with member Bryan Ledford in length about his experience. During our investigation, we discovered that the citizen who made the original complaint was an off-duty Eastlake police officer. During the original call, as well as the first dispatch call, it was known that Bryan was carrying his firearm in a holster. We are at a loss to explain how several officers, a sergeant, a detective, and a dispatcher were all unaware that open carry was not an illegal activity (although, one of them is heard on tape stating "We're not saying you can't OFCC has been in communication with the Chief of Police, Mayor, and Law Director; and we expressed a desire to meet with them to not only address the concerns specific to this case, but also to ensure that it doesn't happen again. They were receptive to that suggestion. In light of the fact that there were two separate departments involved, it is becoming apparent that there is a larger issue at hand than just additional training for Willowick Officers and dispatchers regarding the legality of open carry. It is our belief that a meaningful training action needs to be taken on a statewide level and will be working towards that end. First, however, is to address this particular incident. OFCC leadership and Bryan Ledford will be joining me later this week in meeting with Willowick city officials who requested we open a dialogue. We believe this will lead to a positive resolution and pave the way for better future interactions between law abiding citizens who choose to carry firearms (whether openly or concealed) and law enforcement not only in Willowick and Eastlake, but in Ohio as a whole. We will provide more information as it becomes available, and we thank everyone for their support and patience. Freedom of Information Act Files Audio of initial call to Willowick Police. Audio of initial police dispatch. Audio of phone conversation between Willowick and Eastlake police. Audio of call to dispatch clearing the incident. Police report filed by Officer Spakes, the first officer on the scene. Police report filed by Officer Beckwith, the second officer on the scene. Police report filed by Officer Williams, the third officer on the scene. Police report filed by Detective LaForge. Police report filed by Sergeant Turner detailing his involvement and a follow up statement. |