Today NBC News (7:00 AM ET) October 18, 2002
Military gets involved in sniper hunt
HODA KOTBE, anchor: Police say they might file charges against a witness who lied when he claimed he saw the Washington, DC, area sniper. Police say they were sent on a wild goose chase. The shooter has killed nine people and wounded two others since October the 2nd. More on the military involvement in the manhunt from NBC's Jim Miklaszewski. JIM MIKLASZEWSKI reporting:
The hunt for the DC area sniper is about to take to the skies. Army spy planes, like this one, will be flying reconnaissance missions over Washington, Virginia, and Maryland. Normally used to track down drug runners in Latin America, these planes are equipped with advanced electronics and infrared sensors that can identify and track suspect vehicles on the ground from miles away.
Mr. JOHN PIKE (Globalsecurity.org): The fundamental thing that it gives is a long-range surveillance camera where you could basically put a camera on the crime scene as soon as you have a 911 report of shots fired.
MIKLASZEWSKI: In earlier shootings, it's taken police as long as 30 minutes to shut down escape routes, long after the sniper has made his getaway. If police have a description of the sniper's vehicle, the plane could quickly locate and track it.
Mr. PIKE: Tell police what road it's on, and they'll be able to quickly catch the sniper.
MIKLASZEWSKI: It's not the first time the military has supported law enforcement. Heavily-armed National Guard patrolled US airports immediately after 9-11. And more than 5,000 troops provided security at last winter's Olympics. To stay within the law, the FBI will oversee the spy plane operations.
General RICHARD MYERS (Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff): DOD personnel will not be involved in those typical law enforcement activities such as searches, seizures or arrests. That--law enforcement does all that.
MIKLASZEWSKI: But first they have to find the sniper. Even with all the high-flying technology, military officials admit, it'll still take some luck. Jim Miklaszewski, NBC News, the Pentagon.
Copyright 2002 National Broadcasting Co. Inc.
