Man who brought air gun onto Magee hospital grounds faces misdemeanor charge

[QuackXP]

Man who brought air gun onto Magee hospital grounds faces misdemeanor charge

June 26, 2016 11:36 AM

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
A Garfield man is facing a misdemeanor criminal charge for carrying an air gun onto the property of Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC.

Alex Lee Randolph, 24, is charged with "possession of a weapon that has no ordinary defense or sporting use." It is a misdemeanor of the first degree.

The hospital went on lock-down Saturday evening after a security officer and a University of Pittsburgh police spotted two men who were suspected of carrying a firearm. The men were entering the hospital, according to a criminal complaint.

Officers drew their weapons on the men and commanded them to kneel down. They were frisked, police said in a criminal complaint.

No weapons were found. Still, the men were handcuffed and detained until further investigation could be conducted, police said.

The security officer told police that he had been informed by a visitor that he had seen Mr. Randolph with the weapon.

When questioned, Mr. Randolph admitted that he threw the air gun into the bushes in front of the hospital on Halket Street. It was retrieved by authorities, the complaint reads.

The hospital issued what is called a ”bronze alert,” meaning someone was armed and employees should stay in place.

UPMC issued a statement close to two hours after the incident began: The hospital “this evening received a report of a person with a weapon on the premises outside the hospital. A suspect in possession of a BB gun was taken into custody by police. Standard security precautions were immediately taken at the facility. UPMC security and law enforcement collaborated to ensure that there was no threat to patients, employees, or visitors.”

About 9:20 p.m., a hospital spokeswoman said the alert had been canceled.

http://www.post-gazette.com/local/ci...s/201606260207

[QuackXP]

I have never heard of "possession of a weapon that has no ordinary defense or sporting use."

Here is the accused docket:

https://ujsportal.pacourts.us/Docket...R-0005155-2016

I'm assuming this is because it is not a "firearm" and therefore illegal to carry?

For those who carry a "firearm" and have a LTCF. I would assume that trespassing laws are what would bar you from carrying assuming Magee is posted like the rest of UPMC is now.

[streaker69]

[john9001]

Once upon a time little boys played with BB guns, now a BB gun causes a hospital to go on LOCK DOWN.

What happened to America? Land of the free and home of the brave?

[Grey Bearded One]

BB Gun's aren't used for sport?

[Grey Bearded One]

What happened to America? Land of the free and home of the brave?

It's now the land of the timid and home of the afraid.

[internet troll]

Once upon a time little boys played with BB guns, now a BB gun causes a hospital to go on LOCK DOWN.

What happened to America? Land of the free and home of the brave?

Ralphie is sad.

[tl_3237]

It is charged as a violation of a Pittsburg city ordinance which is possible a derivative of 18 Pa CS 908:

607.01(a)

Under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, personal possession of weapons that have common lawful uses as personal defense, hunting and other sporting uses, are permitted. However, possession of a variety of specified weapons and devices that have no ordinary defense or sporting use is deemed to be a misdemeanor of the first degree. in addition, Pennsylvania outlaws all weapons and devices that in general "have no common lawful purpose."

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - Code of Ordinances

[QuackXP]

It is charged as a violation of a Pittsburg city ordinance which is possible a derivative of 18 Pa CS 908:



Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - Code of Ordinances

Reading through that. It seems Pittsburgh has some kind of AWB on the books? Is it just not enforceable because of preemption?

[Emptymag]

Reading through that. It seems Pittsburgh has some kind of AWB on the books? Is it just not enforceable because of preemption?

Wouldn't surprise me. I think they have a "Lost and Stolen" law - and clearly some bullshit regarding the sale of ammo which is why Bass Pro won't mail ammo to Pittsburgh. (or anywhere with a Pittsburgh-sounding zip code for that matter)