Youngstown, Ohio Police Chief makes threats against open carry

[AZRickD]

http://www.ofccpac.org/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=892

Another dumbass police chief in Ohio needs talkin' to. I'm sure you won't let me down.

Youngstown Police Chief Robert Bush: Arrest them all, let the courts sort it out?

Over 100 people, including Senator and HB12 Conference Committeeman Marc Dann (D) participated in Saturday's open carry 'Defense' Walk in Youngstown, which was extensively covered by area media. One Youngstown citizen told Walk organizer Rick Kaleda, "you sure do throw a fun party." But Youngstown Police Chief Robert E Bush, Jr. was in anything but a festive mood.

In Gahanna and Lima, Cincinnati and Lorain, in Swanton, Xenia and Manchester, law enforcement officials proved they truly are mindful of the "service" part of "protect and serve". 'Defense' Walkers have been met with open arms by law enforcement in every city they've attended to date. That all ended today in Youngstown.

Youngstown police officers were armed with video recorders, taping every move Walkers made. While they explained that was standard procedure at parades, it was clear from comments made by Chief Bush that the Constitution is not his concern.

Bush told two Walkers that if they had not obtained a permit, or if they try to openly carry in Youngstown on their own in the future, he would arrest them. "The Courts can sort it out," said Bush.

Bush's comments were mentioned to a newspaper reporter by Kaleda, with a question: how would you like it if you were arrested for writing this story, and had to depend on the Courts to decide if you had committed a legal act? The reporter planned to question Bush on his statements.

Bush was also quoted on a local news affiliate, complaining that this was like the "Wild West" all over again. Kaleda responded on camera, "If he were even trying to be intellectually honest, Chief Bush, and anyone else opposed to "just anyone" carrying without training or background checks ought to call the Governor's office and tell him to get with the program and get HB12 passed, since it is far more restrictive than current law."

Despite these intimidation tactics by Chief Bush, the Walk went well overall. "Senator Dann was welcomed by all, and he was interviewed by all the media," said Kaleda. "He seemed intent on communicating to us that we are his friends."

Links to media coverage of this event will be posted as it appears.


The Youngstown Chief of Police can be reached as follows:

Youngstown Police Department
Chief Robert E Bush, Jr.
116 West Boardman St.
Youngstown, OH 44503
Voice: (330) 742-8900
Voice: (800) 837-2489
Fax: (330) 744-7452
E-mail: [email protected]

 

[Standing Wolf]

Bush was also quoted on a local news affiliate, complaining that this was like the "Wild West" all over again.

Actually, I'll bet his town's violent crime rates are quite a bit higher than those in the old west.

 

[KC]

It would be interesting to know the death rate from lead poisoning in 1883-1903 and 1983-2003 in this guys precinct are.

 

[jimpeel]

Perhaps someone should introduce him to 18USC 13-242.

United States Code
TITLE 18 - CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
PART I - CRIMES
CHAPTER 13 - CIVIL RIGHTS

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

U.S. Code as of: 01/22/02
Section 242. Deprivation of rights under color of law

Whoever, under color of any law, statute, ordinance, regulation, or custom, willfully subjects any person in any State, Territory, Commonwealth, session, or District to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States, ... shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both; and if bodily injury results from the acts committed in violation of this section or if such acts include the use, attempted use, or threatened use of a dangerous weapon, ... shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; and if death results from the acts committed in violation of this section ... shall be fined under this title, or imprisoned for any term of years or for life, or both, or may be sentenced to death.

The entire title without elipses is:

Whoever, under color of any law, statute, ordinance, regulation,
or custom, willfully subjects any person in any State, Territory,
Commonwealth, Possession, or District to the deprivation of any
rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the
Constitution or laws of the United States, or to different
punishments, pains, or penalties, on account of such person being
an alien, or by reason of his color, or race, than are prescribed
for the punishment of citizens, shall be fined under this title or
imprisoned not more than one year, or both; and if bodily injury
results from the acts committed in violation of this section or if
such acts include the use, attempted use, or threatened use of a
dangerous weapon, explosives, or fire, shall be fined under this
title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; and if death
results from the acts committed in violation of this section or if
such acts include kidnapping or an attempt to kidnap, aggravated
sexual abuse, or an attempt to commit aggravated sexual abuse, or
an attempt to kill, shall be fined under this title, or imprisoned
for any term of years or for life, or both, or may be sentenced to
death.

 

[AZRickD]

Jim,

My hope is that you would introduce him that bit of statute. No need having him hear from me. Much more annoying when multiple people pile on.

That goes fer the rest a ya. E-mail Chief Bush. Or, heck, take advantage of your free cell phone long distance and call him. I'm gonna today.

Rick

 

[jimpeel]

AZRickD

Consider the introduction done. Just sent it to him. It will be interesting to see if he responds.

 

[standingbear]

youngstown...i know that place all too well.i wonder if the chief really knows whats going on in his busy lil city.

 

[444]

True Story

"It would be interesting to know the death rate from lead poisoning in 1883-1903 and 1983-2003 in this guys precinct are."

I worked as a paramedic in Youngstown briefly in the mid 1980s (probably about 87). I wasn't there when this happened, but it happened during the time I worked there. One of our paramedics was standing outside our "station" one evening and someone did a drive-by on him. He was hit in the abdoman. He immediately ran inside, got in an ambulance and drove himself to the hospital Code 3. No one inside had any idea what was going on.

 

[standingbear]

i lived near mill creek park.told to never venture near it after dark.learned why when someone was found shot execution style dumped in a parking lot one morn on my way down to the river..that was back in the 80s too.it never used to be that way.it went down hill.

 

[AZRickD]

The Captain & Denial

I called Youngstown PD this morning on my way to work. The lady who answered the phone had but one response, "I didn't read the article." So, I guess that means it never happened. She told me she didn't know what the Chief's policy was.

So, I asked her to send me to someone who know. She sent me to Internal Affairs where a Captain (do all Youngstonians sound like they're from Chicago?) answered the phone.

I asked him, "Is it true that the Chief of police said he would arrest anyone who would open carry in Youngstown?"

His response was, "I dunno. Why don't you ask the newspaper." It was not posed as a question.

Wowser. That was odd, wasn't it?

I told him that I wanted to know if the Chief was misquoted. He again told me to call the newspaper. I asked him why I should do that when he, or the Chief could do a much better job.

We went round and round for a while. He was dancing quite spiritedly, if not very daintily. Finally, I asked him, "If I am walking down a sidewalk in Youngstown, and not violating anyone's rights, is it YPD policy to arrest me, or will I be left alone?"

The Captain said, "We will enforce Ohio law."

"Does that mean you will leave me alone?"

"We will enforce Ohio Law. We will likely approach you?" Captain said.

"Oh," I asked, "so, you'll *contact me? But you'll otherwise leave me alone. Is that it?"

With that he got aggitated. "We will enforce Ohio law. I Don't Want To Be Part Of Your Dog And Pony Show!"

I said, "Hey, Captain. You don't have to raise you voice at me. I don't understand why you're being evasive. I'm just trying to..."

"Nobody Tells Me How To Talk On The Phone. WE WILL ENFORCE OHIO LAW..."

"I don't think there's any reason for you to yell at me, Captain."

--click--

The weenie hung up on me.

Gawd, ain't this fun?

Rick

 

[foghornl]

As I understand it, Ohio law is now that open carry IS legal.

There are always a few that just don't get with the program, ever.

A [ahem] "Liberal" application of tar and feathers for you, Youngstown Pief of Cholice bush.

 

[AZRickD]

I would appreciate if y'all would make some calls to get some more data points.

See how calling on the phone beats e-mails? E-mails can (and will) be ignored.

Phone calls, well -- much tougher on them.

Rick