COLUMBIANA COUNTY Mahoning County resident seeks court order over gun permit denial

LISBON -- A Mahoning County man is asking that a Mahoning County judge order Columbiana County Sheriff David Smith to give him a permit to carry a concealed weapon.
Smith said Friday that he will give the man -- who is also seeking a court ruling that he is not drug- or alcohol-dependent -- a permit if a judge orders him to do so.
The unnamed man filed the case in Mahoning County, where he resides, as "John Doe," contending Smith failed to follow the law in denying the permit.
Under Ohio's concealed weapon law, people can seek permits in counties that adjoin the county where they live. There are reasons permits can be denied.
Doe contends he completed a mandatory, state-approved firearms training course in March and then submitted his permit application in April.
Doe contends Smith turned down his request and notified him that he was "in danger of drug dependence, is drug dependent, or is a chronic alcoholic."
Smith said that the man has had nine charges of driving under the influence.
The lawsuit contends that Smith failed to notify Doe of the denial within 45 days of his application, and that Smith did not have a mandatory review of his permit decisions.
Doe is asking for the permit and "an order clearly stating" he is not drug- or alcohol-dependent.