‘Dark Knight’ copycat arrested at Ohio movie theater

[barstoolguru]

A man was arrested at the Regal Cinemas at Crocker Park, in Westlake Saturday after he was discovered to be in possession of multiple weapons while sitting in an empty theater waiting for the 10 p.m. showing of "The Dark Knight Rises" to start.

This guy is a moron, has all that stuff in a bag and claims it was for self defense

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/nationa ... -1.1130755" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[chamuiel]

Sounds like the crazies are coming out of the woodwork.

[ClarkLZeuss]

At first, I thought this was just media sensationalism and general anti-2A bias (ex: "arsenal"), especially since he was not actively threatening anyone. Until I read this part:

Officials have charged Smith with one felony count of carrying a concealed weapon, one felony count of having weapons under disability - because of the medication - and four misdemeanor counts of carrying various weapons.
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/nationa ... z22tqAH98y" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Seems that he was not a valid CHL holder, or that Regal's gunbuster signs were effective notice. But apparently it's illegal in Ohio to own firearms if you take certain medications? And, it seems his knives were of the illegal type?

Still, it's really hard to say from the facts presented whether or not he was plotting anything nefarious. It just seems like he's being prosecuted for what they think he was going to do.

[Jumping Frog]

Seems that he was not a valid CHL holder, or that Regal's gunbuster signs were effective notice. But apparently it's illegal in Ohio to own firearms if you take certain medications? And, it seems his knives were of the illegal type?

Well, the local news in Ohio made it clear that he was not a licensed CHL. Carrying a loaded concealed handgun when not licensed is a felony in Ohio. Unless there are 4th Amendment unlawful search issues, this appears to be a clean arrest and good police work.

The gunbuster sign apparently had no impact. He was not charged with trespassing.

The knives were an add-on charge. Ohio's knife law is somewhat murky, like Texas' law can be. If the police assert he was carrying the concealed knifes as a deadly weapon, that is illegal in Ohio. If concealed knives are simply a cutting tool, on the other hand, they are not illegal. There is a big gray area. The police probably asked him, "Why do you have three knives". He probably said, "For self defense". Bingo, that is a concealed deadly weapon.

The weapons under disability charge is probably a stretch. Ohio law does state in part "O.R.C. 2923.13 (A) ...no person shall knowingly acquire, have, carry, or use any firearm ... if ...(4) The person is drug dependent, in danger of drug dependence, or a chronic alcoholic."

It will be interesting to see what the medications are. Either that, or he was adjudicated as a mental defective, making it a federal disability.

[TexDotCom]

Ohio's knife law is somewhat murky, like Texas' law can be. If the police assert he was carrying the concealed knifes as a deadly weapon, that is illegal in Ohio. If concealed knives are simply a cutting tool, on the other hand, they are not illegal. There is a big gray area. The police probably asked him, "Why do you have three knives". He probably said, "For self defense". Bingo, that is a concealed deadly weapon.

Thanks for elucidating these different reasons and the potential ramifications of each. I regularly carry both a small pen knife and a folder w/ 3.75" blade I bought while in the Middle East. (even says "OIF certified on it") However, they are both "tools" and will always be described as such if I'm questioned about my intended uses for either.

[Rex B]

Ohio's knife law is somewhat murky, like Texas' law can be. If the police assert he was carrying the concealed knifes as a deadly weapon, that is illegal in Ohio. If concealed knives are simply a cutting tool, on the other hand, they are not illegal. There is a big gray area. The police probably asked him, "Why do you have three knives". He probably said, "For self defense". Bingo, that is a concealed deadly weapon.

Thanks for elucidating these different reasons and the potential ramifications of each. I regularly carry both a small pen knife and a folder w/ 3.75" blade I bought while in the Middle East. (even says "OIF certified on it") However, they are both "tools" and will always be described as such if I'm questioned about my intended uses for either.

"I like to do a little whittlin' now and then, Officer"