YOUNGSTOWN Local man guilty of carrying a handgun

The 60-year-old man faces up to 18 months in prison or could get probation.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- A local businessman has been found guilty of illegally carrying a loaded gun in his car.
Lawrence Reed, 60, of Hillman Street, faces six to 18 months when he is sentenced later by Judge Robert Lisotto of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court. Reed also could be placed on probation.
Reed was charged with carrying a concealed weapon after an Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper pulled him over on Market Street during the early hours of Nov. 27, 2001. A loaded, .38-caliber handgun was found in a bag on the front seat.
Reed, who owns a barbershop and a bar, waived his right to a jury trial and opted instead to have his case decided by Judge Lisotto. A trial was last week and Judge Lisotto's ruling was handed down Wednesday.
Defense attorney Charles Curry said he is disappointed at the verdict and will appeal. Reed is free on bond while he awaits sentencing, for which a date has not been set.
His reasoning
Reed testified during the trial that he carried the gun for protection because he had been robbed at his barbershop and because would-be robbers sometimes chased him when he carried nightly deposits to the bank from his bar.
Robert Andrews, assistant prosecutor, argued that the law allows a business owner to carry a weapon only if he or she is "particularly susceptible" to criminal attack in the course of their business. He said Reed failed to prove he was at such a risk.
Reed was not carrying business receipts at the time he was stopped by the patrol. He testified that he had driven to a convenience store for gasoline and cigarettes, and was on his way home.
Reed said he has operated a barbershop on West Woodland Avenue for 43 years and has owned Larry's Lounge on Hillman Street for 16 years. He lives in an apartment above the lounge.
bjackson@vindy.com