Gun Range Suicides

Posted on the 29 October 2013 by Mikeb302000

Each year, millions of people go to gun ranges and there are generally a few suicides. One gun range manager says he refuses service to customers because "it didn't feel right." (AP File Photo)

Lehigh Valley News

If there's one thing Ken LeVan has learned over the past 20 years, it's how to read people.

LeVan is manager of the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Officers Association's  Firing Line indoor shooting range in North Whitehall Township. The setup is similar to that of The Heritage Guild in Williams Township, where two 54-year-old men have used guns to commit suicide since April. LeVan said he has had to refuse service to customers at The Firing Line, 4671 Egypt Road, on several occasions because "it didn't feel right." He recalled one situation in which a man appeared nervous, pacing back and forth. "He was soaking wet from perspiration," he said. He turned the man away, avoiding what could have been a bad situation, he said. The gun range hasn't had any incidents in the 28 years it's been open.