Man pulls gun on flasher

NEWTON COUNTY, Ga. - Police said an Atlanta area father pulled a gun on a stranger who pulled his pants down in front of children. It all happened at a playground in Newton County.

It was the first time Tae Lovelace had to draw his weapon.

"It was a life-changing experience to be put in a situation like that.  I don't wish no one to be put in a situation like that," said Tae Lovelace, gun owner.

But according to police, when Josten Meeler threatened Lovelace's family here at this Covington Park on Clark Street Sunday afternoon, he didn't hesitate.

"He runs up on my kids and the mother of my child and at that point in time I go and get my firearm," said Lovelace.

The father of six is a licensed gun owner with a Georgia Carry Permit. Lovelace said his family was at the basketball courts feeding the homeless at around 5 p.m. when Meeler showed up.

"...in his underwear and he proceeds to not act normal and it seemed like he was under the influence of something," said Lovelace.

Lovelace said at one point, Meeler pulled down his pants exposing himself. They chased him off. He returned a short time later, without any clothes on.

"He was already touching people before he was naked so when he came up running directly toward the kids, that's a problem. It could've went sour if I didn't have anything to defend myself. I didn't know what he was capable of doing," said Lovelace.

According to the Covington Police report, Lovelace was holding Meeler at gunpoint when responding officers arrived on scene. Police took Meeler into custody.

"I'm a family man.  I had to protect my family by all means.  Having my firearm and being licensed to carry definitely came in handy that day," said Lovelace