COLUMBUS (AP) -- The state attorney general says the number of Ohio licenses issued for carrying concealed weapons in the first three months of this year increased sharply compared with the same period a year ago.
Attorney General Mike DeWine says county sheriffs issued more than 37,000 licenses for carrying concealed weapons in the first quarter of 2013. More than 31,000 of those were new licenses. That's up from a little under 17,000 new licenses in the first quarter of 2012.
DeWine called the increase in concealed carry permits "a noteworthy trend" but didn't comment on possible reasons for it.
The 76,000 total licenses issued throughout 2012 marked the highest number reported in Ohio since the licensing began in 2004. More than 64,000 of those were new licenses.
Attorney General Mike DeWine says county sheriffs issued more than 37,000 licenses for carrying concealed weapons in the first quarter of 2013. More than 31,000 of those were new licenses. That's up from a little under 17,000 new licenses in the first quarter of 2012.
DeWine called the increase in concealed carry permits "a noteworthy trend" but didn't comment on possible reasons for it.
The 76,000 total licenses issued throughout 2012 marked the highest number reported in Ohio since the licensing began in 2004. More than 64,000 of those were new licenses.
