Ohio man pleads not guilty after KKK confrontation

KENTON, Ohio (AP) — An Ohio man suspected of holding a gun and making a threat during a confrontation between a Ku Klux Klan group and a black man has pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor charge.

The suspect, 22-year-old Kevin Gibbs of Hamilton, is white.

Last month, the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office received a report that a KKK group was walking in Mount Victory, about 50 miles northwest of Columbus. Witnesses say Gibbs pointed a pistol at the ground and threatened a black man.

Sheriff’s officials have said that Gibbs had the weapon legally but was wrong to pull it out during the confrontation.

Court officials in Kenton say Gibbs pleaded not guilty to an aggravated menacing charge Thursday.