CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — A Blountville, Tenn., abortion doctor who authorities say pulled a gun on protesters who approached his vehicle at a Charleston clinic has pleaded guilty to a reduced charge and will pay a $100 fine.
The Post and Courier of Charleston reports (http://bit.ly/N30Fuk ) that 64-year-old Gary Boyle did not attend Friday’s hearing.
Boyle was originally charged with pointing a firearm at a person, which is a felony that carries up to five years in prison. He pleaded guilty Friday to disorderly conduct.
Boyle told police he raised the pistol from his moving SUV because several protesters approached his vehicle and he feared he might be attacked like other abortion doctors.
But the protesters say they were not aggressive and were peacefully demonstrating.
Boyle had a permit to carry the gun.