Catching the bastard out east

[Kuan]

I have an idea. Why not use the public emergency alert system? Every once in awhile we hear a test of the emergency alert system. It's annoying as hell for about 10 secs. But now here's a chance for they system to do something. As soon as the shooter strikes and a report is made, sound the alarm. Immediately followup with instructions to stop the car and remain in the car till everything can be checked out. Anyone see why this won't work? Someone call the police chief.

Kuan

I don't know about reptiles but I would like to see that dude and his buddy slow cooked over a flaming hot fire until medium rare and then slowly shot to death...and then back up and do it again.

Yeah....I hope they are able to track down that sick f**k from his communication with authorities.

Isn't it true that when a criminal like a serial killer (or in this case, a sniper) begins communicating with authorities, they have a far better chance of being caught quickly? I saw something on CNN last night to that effect.

-Sam

[G-Benz]

As long as the media continues to inform the general public with up-to-the-minute police tips and clues, this guy will be able to continue his shooting spree.

All he has to do is tune in to CNN to decide what his next tactic will be..."Ok, they've spotted the van, maybe I'll take the pickup on my next outing!"..."Gee, I only shoot non-moving targets? well let's shoot some moving ones now!"

Hopefully, he is typical of most criminals, in that he will "out" himself of the crimes...vanity of the horrific press publicity he's receiving...

[Snibble]

How do you guys know there is more than one terrorist shooting in Va/DC/MD? The two "suspects" that were detained not long ago have already been ruled as NOT SUSPECTS and were released to immigration officials and most likely on their way back to Mexico and Guatemala.

Kuan.. that idea would not work in real life. Think of the hassle it would cause. Besides.. wouldn't the sniper then have more chances to kill people who are staying in their car while he's shooting from the woods?

[drbrandini]

Kuan.. that idea would not work in real life. Think of the hassle it would cause. Besides.. wouldn't the sniper then have more chances to kill people who are staying in their car while he's shooting from the woods?

The hassle would be worth the lives saved in my opinion. In addition so far the sniper seems to be shooting at random for publicity! I agree G-benz, I dont think he would keep shooting at stopped cars.. Too many eyes watching..just my 3 cents

[drbrandini]

oh yeah ...when they catch this guy.. And I am confident that they will catch him. They should Keep him just barely alive like the guy kevin spacey torchured in the movie Seven... Pump him full of drugs just to keep him alive to suffer....Sorry .. I really am a nice guy

[BlueBabyBenz]

In my opinion, those two options are contradictory.

I doubt that sheriff's departments and PD's are `running around'. Also, I don't believe for a minute that the FBI isn't aware and involved. Of course it makes sense to centralize and coordinate. But isn't that the opposite of everyone attempting to take control over their own fate? Citizen participation has it's benefit, but it has to be as an aid to the police.

As scary as the sniper is, what I find scarier are some of the proposals to `grab the bastard, fill him full of lead, run him over, etc, etc.'

In the heat of anger it's easy to think we have found the culprit, especially when vigilante mentality takes hold.

`Yeah, he's the one! He's got a white van!!'

After he's beaten to a pulp, we find another white van, and so on...

I feel for the victims, the families, and people who live in the area. I have no idea what it must feel like. I'm truly sorry that this is happening.

What I find sad, as well, is that the opportunity to catch him, unfortunately improves if his spree continues.

I'm sure he will be caught, but in the meantime, more victims will probably suffer.

[Jason Beal]

Did you see on CNN how gas stations are pumping gas for people so they don't have to get out of their cars? That sure sucks to be working at those gas stations!!! I understand why they are doing it, but what about the guys who are pumping the gas?!?

I hope the catch them/him I really do.

[elau]

It is so easy for you who do not live in this area to write about the moral issue of handling of this sniper.

If you watch Fox tonight, one commentator already warned that Americans do not like to be cooped up, their freedom is being taken away, and not feeling in control of their lives. If the police cannot guarantee the safty of the citizens, there is a possibility that citizens will go out and start hunting this guy themselves soon.

Wait till the bast*&d starts shooting people sitting at red light, now that will definitely freak people out to no end.

The sniper is treating this as a game. He uses small caliber firearm that experienced hunter will use on small animals such as squirrels and rabbits. He "mercifully" killed his victim with one shot. I say, when we catch is guy, we need to treat him like an animal, deny him of all human rights and diginty. But unfortunately, our moral majorities will rather see their tax money goes to support his miserable life in prison or lengthy legal battles to avoid a death sentence.

I think beating him to pulp will probably the best he deserves.

[Michael K]

My wife, kids, and I live here. I too want to see this criminal caught,. I AM afraid of vigilante justice.

Kuan, I like your idea of using the EMS. This rates as an emergency to me. At this point, I will put up with any inconvenience.

This criminal has committed state (and federal district) crimes. The jurisdiction to stop this criminal lies in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

Don’t kid yourself, though. Uncle Sam is all over this one… Department of Defense (U.S. Army), Department of Justice (the FBI), and Department of Treasury (ATF and U.S. Secret Service) are all assisting state authorities. The U.S. President is briefed on it daily.

Soon this criminal will be brought to justice.

[Kuan]

I hope Michael wasn't the only one listening. I really think the EMS system can help here. For the time being everyone is assuming it's a lone gunman. I'm going to roll with that for now.

So... this guy shoots someone from his hiding spot in the woods. An alert is issued via the EMS and everyone, I mean EVERYONE stops what they're doing. What's this guy going to do? If he's in the woods he'll get caught. If he's in a car he can't go anywhere. He has to stay put and eventually they'll get to him. If he abandons the car they'll get prints and DNA off the car. If he tries to blend in he'll have to lose the murder weapon which will eventually be found. The trick is getting it on the EMS ASAP. That would be tough, but instead of just having the authorities working on it, it would put people within 2-3 minutes from the crime scene on alert.

Kuan

[Michael K]

Here is the latest response to the “communication” Task Force authorities received from the killer…

"We have researched the option you stated and found it is not possible electronically to comply in the manner you requested," said Montgomery County Police Chief Charles Moose.

The killer calls in. The authorities respond via the media. It’s like a sick dance they have going. I hope publicizing all this helps catch the killer.

I have seen some strange things in my life. This tops it all. It makes regular TV seem quite boring….

[Jason Beal]

Kuan, I like your idea. But I wonder how will everybody hear the warning? If I'm in my car and the radio is off how would I know? I guess if everbody was stopping something might kick in. But they would have to notify the public that they were going to do that, and that SOB is in the public. Plus I can't see him not stopping too where he is. The delay it would take different people to be aware of the alert would probably give him time to get to his car or whatever he's doing. I still like your idea though, but that's the only problem I can see with it.

Let's hope he gets caught real soon!!