May 20, 2004
Columbus Dispatch

Bagger visits store where he took bullet to save co-worker

John Brining walked through the automatic doors at the Canal Winchester Kroger yesterday a hero.

The last time he passed through the doors, he was being rushed to a hospital March 30 after taking a bullet in the abdomen while protecting a co-worker.

Family members, friends and co-workers surrounded Brining, a bagger, as he was presented an award for bravery by Fairfield County Sheriff Dave Phalen.

"I think he really represents what heroism is in the truest sense," Phalen said.

Also there was Sharma Rochester, who apparently was supposed to get the bullet that wounded Brining, 19, of Groveport.

On that Tuesday afternoon in March, police said, Brining wrestled Christopher D. Rochester, 33, to the ground after he saw Rochester point a gun at Sharma Rochester, his stepmother.

Police said Christopher Rochester then fired three shots.

Click on the "Read More..." link below for more.

Just last week, National City Bank began sending emails to concerned customers, announcing that "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."

Apparently more than a few customers DID have additional concerns about the bank's hypocritical new policy (they have not posted in other CCW states over the years), because the Cleveland-based National City Bank is now issuing the following email to inquirers:

----- Original Message -----
From:
Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2004

Dear XXXX XXXXXX,

We appreciate you taking the time to contact us by e-mail on May 18, 2004,
regarding your inquiry.

I understand your concern regarding the Concealed Weapon Law recently
passed. National City is currently reviewing the law and our right to post
signs in our local branches and facilities.

National City has not made any
final decisions regarding this matter. I will be happy to forward your
concern to the appropriate individual for further review. I apologize for
any inconvenience this matter has caused. Please let me know if I can be
of further assistance.

If you have any additional questions please e-mail us or contact us at the
number listed below.

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

David Davenport - Online Banking Support

Before you get too encouraged by this email, consider another, written just one day before, and citing a nonexistent federal law, which National City apparently doesn't care about observing in any state but Ohio:

----- Original Message -----
From: nccgenlinfo@nationalcity.com
Sent: Tue, 18 May 2004

Dear XXXX XXXXXX,

We appreciate you taking the time to e-mail us on May 18, 2004, concerning National City Bank policy.

Although Ohio has passed a state law to carry a concealed weapon, it has always been a federal policy that firearms are not allowed to be carried into any financial institution. This is a federal law. For protection of our valued customers, such as yourselves, and employees, we must uphold this law, and the brochures are posted as a reminder to our customers and employees.

Should you have any additional questions or concerns, we will be happy to assist you. Visit us again at www.nationalcity.com or call us directly, 1-888-622-4932.

Bridget ­ Online Banking Support

There is no such federal law. There are no discriminatory signs on National Cty Bank branches on other CCW states. This bank has more excuses for its hypocritical policy than Michael Jackson has had nose-jobs.

Until the bank makes a final decision known, they will be removed from our Do Not Patronize While Armed database.

Please help encourage them to make the right decision. Contact National City bank here to share your thoughts.

Related Story:
Hypocritical bank policy suggests fear of Ohio citizens

On Friday, May 7, a guest editorial by Mr. Clarence J. Brown was published in all the Brown Publishing-owned newspapers, entitled "Be Careful What You Wish For" (unfortunately the editorial pages are not available on the web sites).

The article addressed concealed carry, some of the more prominent problems, and the issue of businesses posting signs banning CCW.

While very good on addressing the business ban issue, and on questions about liability should someone be hurt during a crime in a posted business, he was sadly off base on vehicle carry because he said you have to "unload the bullets" and carry, etc.

On May 12, a response ran on the editorial page of the Xenia, Beavercreek & Fairborn papers, written by OFCC Senate District 10 Coordinator Larry S. Moore, setting the record straight.

Click on the "Read More..." link below for more.

May 18, 2004
Marietta Times

More than 200 area residents have applied for permits to carry concealed weapons since a new law allowing Ohioans to carry them went into effect last month.

Of those who have applied, 124 Washington County residents have been issued permits and are allowed to carry hidden handguns.

Another 100 area residents are still going through the application process, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office, which is charged with issuing the permits.

The sheriff's office anticipates 600 to 1,000 county residents will apply for permits within the next year.

"We've had a lot of interest," said Deputy Bob Sears. "It looks like we're going to keep fairly busy this first year."

Click on the "Read More..." link below for more.

One more excellent follow-up story on an occurrence that anti-gun pundits claimed would never happen...

May 18, 2004
Toledo Blade

Habib Howard's eyes never left the suspect's handgun.

The robber kept the weapon at waist level when he held up Mr. Howard's West Toledo carryout. As the man backed out of the store, he raised the gun in a threatening manner.

That's when Mr. Howard decided it was either his life or the robber's.

"Do I shoot or do I let him shoot me? I chose the first," the 23-year-old recalled yesterday, eight days after the heist at his family's gas station/carryout at Monroe Street and Upton Avenue.

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Mr. Howard grabbed his 9mm semi-automatic handgun from his hip under his shirt, drew the weapon, and began firing. The robber was hit in the front left shoulder and front left leg near his groin, Toledo police Detective Paul Tetuan said.

The wounded suspect, Jose J. Custodia-Mota, 23, of Columbus, had his gun raised as he fled. Mr. Howard fired two more shots, piercing the window glass.

"I don't feel like Dirty Harry or anything like that. I did what I had to do to save my life," said Mr. Howard, who has a concealed-carry permit.

Click on the "Read More..." link below for more.