Tennessee Man Sues Park Ranger For Being Detained For Possessing a Firearm
Posted by FirearmsTruth on February 11, 2010 · 2 Comments
Last year the State of Tennessee made it legal for gun owners with permits to carry guns in state parks, but despite this fact this past December Leonard Embody was detained, and held for three hours for carrying a gun. According to a news feature on Tennessean.com, Embody had a permit and the disturbing fact is that he claims a park ranger pointed a shotgun to him.
Obviously we’re only getting one side of the story, but it is worth noting that Steven Ward – the park manager in question – didn’t respond to calls from the journalist writing the story. What is as disturbing is that Embody was also held for more than three hours.
While it is mentioned that Embody may have been “testing authorities,” the fact is that he didn’t break the law. Kudos to Embody for suing!
The park ranger did a felony tactical approach to the man who was carrying what appeared to be an assult rifle in the park. By legal definition it is considered a handgun (it took a call to the ATF to figure that out.) Would you blame any law enforcement officer for taking steps to protect them self and the public when seeing the same thing? This man is out to make a name for himself and cause problems, thus giving all of us who support the law a bad image.
There were two park rangers. I showed my permit to the first, 20 minutes later I was “felony stopped” by the second, Ward. In depositions both state they were not threatened. I did not threaten anyone and was within my right to bear an ak pistol in the state park. The case will be heard by the 6tth circuit court of appeals in 2012.