Activist protests citation at park

The Toledo Blade is reporting that the man who was cited on Saturday for violating a Toledo park rule which enforces a prohibition of concealed weapons in city parks, filed a police report yesterday indicating the city violated his civil rights.

The newspaper reports Bruce Beatty also spoke with the city prosecutor's office and requested that the case be handled by a special prosecutor so there is no potential conflict of interest.

From the story:

Last month, Mr. Beatty announced he would take his gun to the park. He wore his 45-caliber pistol in a holster under his jacket. Police did not check anyone else at the gathering, and they gave Mr. Beatty his gun back. He is to appear April 19 in Toledo Municipal Court on the minor misdemeanor.

In his police report, Mr. Beatty contends the citation was issued under the direction of the city administration. Its issuance, he said, is in direct conflict with state law, and he believes his civil rights were violated.

Mr. Beatty contends that the city's prohibition violates the state's concealed-carry law, which went into effect April 8, 2004. The state law specifically prohibits concealed weapons in schools, government buildings, and places of worship but does not mention parks.

Mr. Beatty said there are no signs in the park indicating concealed weapons are banned.

Although the city is named in his police report, Mr. Beatty told the Blade he may file charges against individuals within city government.

Related Stories:
City of Toledo hangs ''park-ban hat'' on vague park rules ordinance