Police: Man within rights to carry AK-47 in public

Dayton police said a man walking around with an AK-47 rifle caused concern Friday, but he didn't violate any laws.

Officers responded shortly before 3 p.m. to North Gettysburg Avenue in the area of James H. McGee Boulevard on reports of a man carrying an assault rifle in public.

Police said the man had the rifle strapped across his back and did not point it at anyone or threaten others.

He was not arrested because he didn't break any laws, said Dayton Sgt. Mark Spiers.

"It's not illegal to possess and carry a firearm," he said. "As long as it's not concealed and he's not discharging it ... If he did point it in a menacing manner that would make it a crime."

Spiers said the man was not from the area and may have done this simply to draw police response and get attention.

Officers checked the man's background and found he was not restricted from owning a firearm.

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