News

October 15, 2008

Pistol-packing soccer mom can again carry weapon

MARTHA RAFFAELE Associated Press Writer

LEBANON, Pa. — A mother who angered fellow parents when she wore a holstered pistol at her 5-year-old daughter’s soccer game got her concealed weapons permit back Tuesday after a judge overruled a sheriff’s decision to revoke it.

Meleanie Hain testified that she did not intend to intimidate anyone, but felt she had to carry the gun openly because warm-weather clothing made it difficult to hide a firearm. She said her husband’s line of work, which was not disclosed, made her a “greater target” than the average person.

Lebanon County Judge Robert Eby said the law required him to return Hain’s permit, but he questioned her judgment.

“Fear doesn’t belong at a kid’s soccer game from any source,” Eby said.

Hain lost the permit after other parents complained last month that she was openly carrying a loaded and holstered handgun at her daughter’s soccer game.

A youth soccer coach said he approached Hain at the Sept. 11 game and asked her to move to the other side of the field, away from the sideline where the children were standing.

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