More evidence of the need for self-defense in parks

Despite repeated inquiries, city officials in Clyde, Elyria and certain other communities have offered no demonstration whatsoever that there is a need for ordinances banning concealed handgun license-holders from public places. No municipality has any facts or research to indicate that law-abiding, licensed gun owners pose any threat or danger, nor has any history of problems in other states been identified.

On the other hand, examples of the need for self-defense options in public places like city parks continue to pour in:

Boldface Park, Sedamsville (Cincinnati): 14-Year Old Boy Raped At Gunpoint In Local Park

Cincinnati police are investigating the rape of a teenager at a local park.

Police say a man raped a 14-year old male at gunpoint around 11 p.m. Friday night.

On Saturday investigators searched for clues and questioned people in the area, but have not identified the suspect.

Burlington Common Park, Ironton: Man arrested for pulling gun on deputy

According to a sheriff's office report, deputy Wesley Collins was investigating a car parked after hours at the Burlington Common Park when the incident occurred.

When he began foot patrol to locate the driver of the car, Brown allegedly jumped from behind a tree and began walking quickly away from Collins, refusing to stop when ordered to do so several times. When Brown was detained, he allegedly had an open container of alcohol in one hand and his other hand in his pocket, which he allegedly failed to remove from his pocket when ordered to do so.

During the incident, Brown allegedly tried to push Collins to the ground, missed and then tried to flee on foot. When Collins apprehended him, Brown allegedly pulled a Rossi .38 caliber revolver, but the gun got caught on his pocket as Brown tried to pull it out of his pants.

It is incumbent upon those who would render citizens in secluded parks and jogging trails defenseless to offer proof that concealed handgun license-holders are causing problems. As the law now reads, they have absolutely no authority to do what they've done, and Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro agrees.