A Georgia father filed a federal lawsuit against Newton County and a sheriff’s deputy after being repeatedly ordered to disarm at his children’s sporting events, despite holding a valid weapons carry license and state law protecting his Second Amendment rights in public parks.

Deputy Confronts Armed Father Multiple Times

Javance McCray, a Newton County resident with a legal weapons carrying license, visited City Pond Park in April and May 2026 to watch his children participate in sporting events. During both visits, McCray openly carried a holstered handgun on his waist, fully compliant with Georgia’s Safe Carry Protection Act. Deputy Tyrone Major of the Newton County Sheriff’s Office approached McCray at each event, demanding he remove his firearm and secure it in his vehicle. McCray complied both times out of fear of arrest, according to the lawsuit filed September 8.

The confrontations escalated when Deputy Major later told McCray he had consulted a judge who allegedly said McCray could carry his weapon at the park if he concealed it. McCray again complied with this directive, though state law permits open carry in such locations. The repeated encounters occurred in front of community members who knew McCray, causing what he describes as significant embarrassment and humiliation. His children witnessed the confrontations and expressed concern their father would be arrested.

County Signs Contradict State Law

The lawsuit targets Newton County’s placement of signs at multiple public parks prohibiting weapons on the premises. These signs directly conflict with Georgia’s Safe Carry Protection Act, which allows licensed gun owners to carry firearms in public parks and recreational areas. McCray argues the county has no legal authority to enforce such restrictions, which override state-protected constitutional rights. The ordinance effectively creates a patchwork of gun-free zones where none should legally exist under Georgia law.

Father Seeks Injunction And Damages

McCray demands the court order Newton County and Deputy Major to immediately cease enforcement of the weapons ordinance and remove all prohibitive signage from public parks. He seeks monetary damages of at least one hundred dollars plus attorney’s fees, with the final amount to be determined at trial. The case represents a direct challenge to local governments attempting to restrict Second Amendment rights beyond what state law permits, setting up a potential precedent for gun owners across Georgia facing similar unconstitutional policies.