A North College Hill father is facing a stack of charges after police say he passed out on a Metro bus in Springdale with his toddler at his side and a handgun tucked in his waistband.
According to WKRC Local 12, yesterday's incident unfolded when a Metro driver spotted a man slumped over in his seat next to a small child and decided something was not right. The driver flagged down a nearby Springdale officer on Century Circle to check it out.
Police and EMTs stepped onto the bus and worked to wake the man, later identified as 30-year-old De'Eric Gill. When officers asked who he was riding with, Gill reportedly said he was alone, apparently forgetting about the toddler seated beside him, WKRC Local 12 reported.
Where It Happened
The stop in question sits near Century Circle in Springdale along Metro's Springdale-Vine route. The transit agency lists regular service at the location, where riders hop on and off for trips through Springdale and beyond, according to Metro.
Charges and Legal Context
While helping Gill off the bus, an officer spotted a firearm tucked into his waistband and secured it, Springdale police told WKRC Local 12. Investigators say Gill is barred from having guns because of prior convictions and have charged him with child endangering and two weapons offenses, including using weapons while intoxicated. A family member was called to the scene to take custody of the toddler, according to the station.
Under Ohio law, it is a crime to carry or use a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as spelled out in Ohio Rev. Code §2923.15. On top of that, federal law makes it illegal for certain people with prior convictions to possess firearms at all, under 18 U.S.C. §922(g), as summarized by LII / Cornell.
What's Next
Gill was arrested at the scene and taken into custody by Springdale officers. Details on his booking and upcoming court dates had not yet been released.
