Golf ranger suspended after carrying gun on Greensburg golf course

GREENSBURG, Pa. (KDKA) — A Greensburg golf ranger has been suspended from his job after he was found with a weapon at a local golf course.

The Greensburg Police Department said the incident happened on May 24 around 4 p.m.

Police Chief Mike McNealy told KDKA-TV that four golfers from Tennessee were in town on business and playing a round at Mount Odin Park Golf Course when the altercation occurred.

McNealy said the quartet left the cart path and entered the fairway, against signage, and were approached by the park ranger when a verbal altercation broke out.

That's when McNealy said one of the golfers noticed the ranger had a gun in a holster, felt threatened and called police.

“I'm very surprised to hear that. I've been here. I've been here several times over the summer, and I've never even seen a ranger on the course. So to hear one wearing a gun of a certain type it bothers me. What happens if I miss a good drive or something?'” said local golfer Chip Kerr.

Police said Mount Odin is owned and operated by the city of Greensburg. According to the manual, it is against city policy for rangers or any other employees to carry a weapon.

McNealy said the golfers decided not to press charges and so the identity of the ranger was not released, but police said the ranger was suspended until further notice, pending a audience.

McNealy said he had a concealed carry permit. The ranger was carrying a .25 caliber semi-automatic firearm during the incident. The sheriff's office is considering revoking the ranger's license.

“It's a very serious problem to have someone who is not authorized to carry a weapon in a place where they should not be, because the threshold for danger increases exponentially,” Kerr said.

Those who work at the gold course had no comment.

KDKA-TV also reached out to city hall administrators and has not yet received a response.