From: J Travis (dagobert@ix.netcom.com)
Date: Tue Mar 18 2003 - 08:34:01 PST
Here's the latest from the net:
WASHINGTON (AP) - A North Carolina tobacco farmer remained inside his
tractor Tuesday morning in a small lake nestled among some of America's
best known symbols. The standoff caused police to close streets blocks
from the scene snarling the city's morning rush hour.
"We're looking at every possible option, to make sure this comes to a
peaceful resolution," said Sgt. Scott Fear, a spokesman for the U.S.
Park Police.
The incident began around noon Monday when a man wearing a military
medic's helmet drove a jeep and trailer carrying the tractor and a
motorcycle into Constitution Gardens, a federal park bordered by the
Washington Monument, the Vietnam War Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial.
After driving the jeep into the lake, the man drove the tractor off the
trailer and into the water.
"We're going to be patient with him and we're going to make sure that
human life and safety is number one," Fear said. Officials said the
uncertainty of the situation presents both safety and facilities
concerns. They declined to specify his demands.
The man was identified as Dwight Watson, 50, of Whitakers, N.C.
Shortly after the incident began, police established a 400 yard security
perimeter around the site. The decision snarled downtown traffic for
commuters Monday evening and again Tuesday morning, as vehicles were
restricted over a much broader area.
For many motorists frustration was boiling over with some giving up and
leaving buses to walk to work.
Nebiye Solom, who manages a downtown parking garage, said his customers
have been complaining that their 30-minute commutes have turned into
two-tour nightmares.
Tactical officers armed with automatic weapons, bomb squad technicians
and fire department hazardous materials specialists were among the more
than 100 public safety personnel involved in the incident.
The location has also hampered access to several federal and independent
agencies. Offices of the National Academy of Sciences, the Interior
Department and the Federal Reserve are located inside the security zone.
The State Department headquarters is also nearby.
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