Cincinnati:
Violent murder seen as "public relations nightmare" for city

Police said Friday that a 17-year-old robbed Robbie Harris of cash before shooting him to death at Seventh and Vine streets about 12:20 a.m. Thursday.

"When a 17-year-old man leaves home with a gun, intent on doing a bad thing,
there is virtually nothing any of us can do to prevent it,'' Capt. James Whalen, commander of downtown police said.

Still, he insists downtown is safe. "Are you going to walk down the street and be confronted with a violent
crime downtown? No,'' Whalen said Friday from Jammin' on Main.

As one of the "folks battling to keep up the perception of safety so suburban residents feel comfortable attending events such as this weekend's Jammin' on Main music festival," it is likely Whalen would have told the same thing to the pizza maker, Mr. Harris.

For further proof of Whalen's empty promise, FLASHBACK to last year: Cincinnati crime wave threatens to shut down businesses

Dayton:
Trotwood man faces murder charge
A 19-year-old Trotwood man has been charged in the slaying of one of his neighbors, an 81-year-old man whose body was found in the detached garage behind his home last week.

Allen R. Beach is in the Montgomery County Jail on single counts of aggravated murder and aggravated robbery, Capt. Dan Swafford said Wednesday.

The victim, Paul L. Boyer, was found in the garage at his home, 675 Olive Road, on May 6. He died as the result of blunt force trauma to his head, the Montgomery County Coroner's Office said.

Police: 3 year-old son with dad during robbery

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office is pursuing a charge of felonious child endangering against a Dayton man accused of having his 3-year-old son with him while he helped rob a gas station Monday, sheriff's Sgt. Glen McIntosh said.

Dennis Jackson, 29, is in the county jail on one count of aggravated robbery and a misdemeanor count of endangering children, according to Common Pleas Court records.

Authorities were helped by a 34-year-old Centerville man who saw the suspects leave the gas station, followed them and flagged down an officer who was in the area, the sheriff's office said.

Deputies arrived at the Citgo about 7 p.m. after receiving a call about an armed robbery, Greco said. They were told that one man armed with a handgun entered the business and demanded money before assaulting the store clerk and running after taking an undetermined amount of money, Greco said. The clerk suffered minor injuries and did not require hospital treatment.

Detectives gathering more details about homicide
Scott Grove, 43, of 406 Michigan Ave., was found dead about 10:40 p.m. in an apartment complex parking lot near 1916 James H. McGee Blvd. Officers initially responded on the the report of an armed robbery.

Grove was in an area known for drug activity when a group of men demanded his wallet and money, Sgt. Gary White said.

"He was attempting to comply with that demand," White said. "The assault was simultaneous with the demand."

On the other hand...in Columbus:
Downtown chase ends when bystander shoves man through window
The "Ginsu bandit" may have met his match yesterday in a 34-year-old restaurant owner.

A knife-wielding man, now a suspect in 11 recent robberies, was captured after being chased through Downtown streets by Ricardo Spence, owner of Stats Cafe, and shoved through a window by a deliveryman.

Click on the "Read More..." link below to read an archived version of the story.

And yet Toledo police chief Mike Navarre says resistance is futile...

UPDATE:
National City Bank reconsidering Ohio CCW stance?

The following story should be read in the context of this reality: According to the FBI, under the 150-year old concealed carry ban, Ohio earned one of the highest rates of bank robbery in the nation. Do these banks really believe that signs will deter the criminals?

Founded in 1845 and headquartered in Cleveland, National City Bank has long done business in concealed carry states and has NOT posted signs in Michigan, nor are we aware of signs in Pennsylvania, Indiana or Kentucky.

But now that the company's own hometown citizens are allowed their right to self-protection, OFCC has learned that National City is making plans to deny their Ohio customers the same right to self-protection which they have allowed in other states for years. What's worse, they seem very uncertain about the reasons why. Consider this email exchange with one concerned customer:

----- Original Message -----
From:

Dear Mr. XXXXX,

We appreciate you taking the time to email us concerning
Ohio's Concealed Carry Law.

In accordance with Ohio's Concealed Carry Law, you are prohibited by law
from carrying a firearm in the following institutions:

Houses of Worship
Schools or Institutions of Higher Education
Federal Buildings
Banks
Institutions where alcohol is consumed

The decision to legally ban firearms from a banking institution is not one
of National City's. It is a regulation put forth by the State of Ohio. If you disagree with this legislation, please contact your local representative, or a representative of the State of Ohio to voice your
concerns.

If you have any additional questions, please email us or contact us at the
number below. Our representatives are available to assist you Monday
through Friday 7am to 12am, and Saturday and Sunday 8am to 9pm.

Thank you for contacting us. Visit us again at www.nationalcity.com or call us directly, 1-888-622-4932.

Karen - Online Banking Support

And the good guy reply:

Thank you for responding.

You have been misinformed about the law as to its prohibiting carry into
banks.

Section 2923.126(B)(1) of the Ohio Revised Code states:
"A valid license does not authorize the licensee to carry a concealed
handgun into any of the following places:"

[list of victim zones redacted for space]

As you can see, there is no mention of banks on this list. The Ohio
Concealed Carry Law does not specifically prevent carrying in banks unless
the bank chooses to ban carry on the premises as a private business, in
which case it would be choosing to alienate many law-abiding citizens and
lose much business.

Could you please advise me of NCC's formal corporate policy regarding
personal defense for customers in it's branches? Thank you for your time.

Trapped by the truth, the bank finally admits what is really going on:

Dear Mr. XXXXX,

National City believes in the safety of its customers. We have taken a
stance on preventing employees and customers from concealing a weapon on
our premises. Therefore, no weapons may be brought onto National City
property or inside a National City building. If you have additional concerns, please contact Corporate Headquarters at the following address:

National City Center
1900 East Ninth St
Cleveland, OH 44114-3484
(216) 222-2000

Ms. Matthews - Online Banking Support

---------------

Notice the one group NOT mentioned in this email as being targeted by the bank for disarmament is criminals - just employees and customers. Sounds like an excellent safety & security policy, doesn't it?

It should be noted that signs have not yet been posted at the bank's Ohio branches, but all indications suggest a decision HAS been made to do so.

Perhaps the most grating irony about National City's hypocracy is found on their website description of the company's viewpoint on diversity.

"Diversity at National City" is about inclusion. Inclusion is embracing differences and similarities to fully utilize the talents of all for organizational success. Diversity supports our business agenda and promotes market growth by building inclusive relationships. Our business strategy of providing service excellence and strong returns through sustained market growth is integrally linked to the effective delivery of our Customer Champion Brand promise. “At National City we care about doing what’s right for our customers.” Inclusive practices enhance our perspectives, our products, our team spirit and, ultimately, our ability to deliver
superb performance.

Apparently diversity at National City Bank will not apply to Ohioans who choose to exercise their right to bear arms for self-defense.

Contact National City bank here to share your thoughts about their discrimination against law-abiding Ohioans.

Click on the "Read More..." link below for information about another Ohio bank which is banning self-defense.

Several Ohio newspapers, including the Athens News and Canton Repository, have recently printed follow-up stories regarding local reaction to OFCC's Do Not Patronize While Armed list. Most mistakenly referred to the effort as a "boycott". The following letter has been submitted to each of those publications, and is expected to appear in papers across the state throughout the week.

Concealed-weapon group has not exactly called for a business boycott

2004-05-17
Athens News

While we appreciate your coverage of Ohioans For Concealed Carry's effort to inform holders of concealed handgun licenses (CHL) of businesses that are posting "No-Guns" signs, your use of the word "boycott," in quotes, is inaccurate.

This organization has NEVER used the word boycott to describe our efforts to inform CHL-holders that they are not welcome in stores listed on our Do Not Patronize While Armed database.

The purpose of the Do Not Patronize While Armed database is to assist these stores that have expressed their desire to keep license-holders out. We also wish to help CHL-holders know to stay away while armed.

Athens business owners shouldn't be concerned about CHL-holders. What they SHOULD be concerned about is criminals who will ignore their signs.

Just last week, in an Akron Dairy Mart, a criminal bypassed a brand new "No Guns" sign at 10 o'clock in the morning, robbed the store, and pistol-whipped the clerk in front of six customers (who had no doubt honored the signs, and were therefore defenseless). The attacker then calmly exited the store, obviously without fear of being confronted by an armed citizen.

There are no credible studies that show increased dangers to businesses because of concealed carry, yet many studies prove the benefits.

Chad D. Baus, spokesperson
Ohioans For Concealed Carry
Cleveland

This is perhaps the first Chamber of Commerce-sponsored Ohio CCW Forum in which the truth on What Businesses Need to Know will be presented.

Bagels & Business...

...A VERY Important Program that You Won't Want to Miss!!!

"Firearms, What it Means for Your Business"

Panelists:
Representative James Aslanides
Vice Mayor Steve Cuckler, Delaware City Council
Captain Rose, Delaware City Police
Delaware County Sheriff's Department

Tuesday, May 18

Time:
7:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast
8 - 9 a.m. Program

Location:
Benes Room A
Hamilton Williams Center
Ohio Wesleyan University

Cost:
$10.00 for Chamber & Safety Council members
$15.00 for non-members

Sponsored by: the Delaware Area Chamber of Commerce and the Delaware Area Safety Council

In the wake of nationwide attention on Ohioans For Concealed Carry's effort to inform CHL-holders of where their business is not wanted, Ohio's media is giving significant attention to a FEW businesses on the "Do Not Patronize While Armed" list who are refusing to reconsider their discriminatory policies.

Very few reporters have mentioned, let alone called to interview, the many businesses (including at least 7 major chains and close to 10 other businesses) which we have already listed as having removed their signs.

The list of former banners which are again "free to shop" stores is growing rapidly. Here are the latest stores to notify us they have removed their discriminatory signs: