Why does Ohio law prohibit self-defense at rest stops?

The Fremont News-Messenger reported on November 10 that a Detroit man, who is a suspect in an armed robbery in Chicago, was arrested by Ohio State Highway Patrolmen early Tuesday morning after a high speed chase in Sandusky County.

Police told the News-Messenger that troopers of the Milan Post observed Truman Manning, 42, of Detroit driving a 2005 Ford Taurus eastbound on the Ohio Turnpike at around 12:40 a.m. Tuesday. After leaving the Commodore Perry Service Plaza at milepost 100, Truman was observed driving at 101 miles per hour. The Taurus, which was reported stolen from a business in Chicago, did not stop when officers pursued with emergency lights flashing.

According to the paper, police followed the vehicle for about 24 miles before police deployed stop sticks, puncturing two tires on the Taurus. The suspect continued for another mile before stopping in the south ditch of the turnpike and fleeing on foot. He was apprehended a short time later.

Troopers reportedly found cocaine residue, drug paraphernalia, business checks, numerous sets of car keys along with a black coat and knife, possibly used in an armed robbery in the Chicago area.

Ohio law restricts concealed handgun license (CHL)-holders from carrying concealed inside publicly-owned buildings, such as this rest stop. And although the law does NOT restrict open carry in these places, many of them have signs up stating that ALL firearms are
prohibited on premises.

Until Ohio's Right to Carry law is fixed, and as the following email from the Ohio Attorney General notes, potential victims will be forced to make the choice between self-protection and the potential for false arrest by the anti-self-defense OSHP:

While it is legal for a person to carry a weapon openly some law enforcement agencies have said such actions may prompt an arrest for inducing panic, a misdemeanor.

It is impossible to say if any particular officer will cause problems for any particular person at any particular time, but carrying openly in a rest area – while within the bounds of law – may still result in difficulties.

Mark Gribben
Director of Constituent Services
Office of Attorney General Jim Petro

Ohio law should be amended so as to not render travelers defenseless at rest stops.

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Woman Reports Rape At I-77 Rest Stop