July 8, 2004
(Lisbon) Morning Journal

EAST LIVERPOOL — A man wanted for failure to appear warrants out of the county is now facing a charge of carrying a concealed weapon without a permit after being found with a loaded gun in the Carnegie Public Library.

According to Chief Mike McVay, the department received a tip that Nathan Criss, 28, 326 Blakeley St., was at the library and that there was an outstanding warrant for his arrest.

Police learned there were two warrants for Criss for failure to appear for review and probation sentence on an original burglary conviction, sending McVay and Patrolman Brad Hoover looking for him.
Criss was located in the library computer lab and taken into custody, at which time McVay asked if he had any weapons. Criss said he did, and McVay initially found just a pocket knife.

A pat down search, however, produced a percussion cap double barrel black powder pistol, fully loaded, tucked into the front waistband of Criss’ pants, according to McVay.

“He said he didn’t think it was a weapon,” McVay reported, adding that Criss did not have a permit to carry a concealed weapon, which is now allowed by law in Ohio.

Patrolman Fred Flati, who serves as the department’s firearms instructor, examined the pearl-handled derringer on station and found it to be loaded with buckshot.
Criss was transported to the county jail awaiting arraignment Thursday morning in Municipal Court on the concealed weapons charge.

Commentary:
So a wanted criminal without a license to carry carries a loaded firearm into a public library. Surely he didn't see the "No Guns" signs on the door, or he'd have turned around, right?

Public libraries have been rendered victims zones by Ohio law - they must post these signs. But let the businesses who post them voluntarily take note: the only people who will respect those discriminatory signs are concealed handgun license-holders.

Criminals, by their very nature, could care less about these signs, let alone about obtaining twelve hours of training to obtain a license.

Related Story:
Two Akron banks robbed within hour - would "No knives" or "No bombs" signs or, for that matter, "No bank robberies" signs have made any difference?

July 7, 2004
Associated Press

WASHINGTON -- Off-duty and retired police officers would have the right to carry concealed weapons in any state under legislation the Senate approved by voice vote Wednesday and sent to the president.

H.R. 218, passed by the House last month, would override some states' prohibitions on carrying concealed firearms. Many states do not recognize other states' concealed weapons permits.

"This legislation will allow thousands of equipped, trained and certified officers to continually serve and protect our communities regardless of jurisdiction and at no cost to taxpayers," the House's chief sponsor, Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham, R-Calif., said when the House approved it by voice vote June 23.

The White House endorsed the measure in a statement, saying, "This legislation will better protect the nation from danger by ensuring that officers are ready to handle an emergency regardless of their location and duty status and will help them to better protect themselves and their families from vindictive criminals."

Critics said the bill could create problems such as liability for out-of-state or retired officer's actions.