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CNN Live Saturday
Special Edition: Sniper on the Loose, Part I
Aired October 12, 2002 - 13:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: An eighth life claimed by a sniper. Communities under siege and on edge in D.C. and the suburbs.
Good afternoon. This is a special edition of CNN SATURDAY. I'm Fredricka Whitfield.
We are continuing to keep close tabs on this investigation. Already the fear is rising and the search for the sniper intensifies. Our Daryn Kagan is in Montgomery County, and she's been following this investigation from there.
Daryn, I've talked to a lot of friends and family members there in the Montgomery County area, and all of them are telling me how much this is affecting their day-to-day lives. When they are at the gas stations, they are crouching down, or they are running into the stores. Since you have been there, how are you finding that this level of fear is affecting your day-to-day operations there?
DARYN KAGAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Fred, hello, and greetings from Montgomery County, Maryland.
First of all, I have to be honest, I just got in late last night and the alarm clock went off at 3:12 a.m. this morning, and I came right here to the scene, so I have not had that much of a chance to be out and about. But I have had a chance to talk with some folks and ask them that very question.
You mentioned gas stations. That's an interesting tidbit. First of all, what we are hearing different anecdotes, "The Washington Post" reporting earlier this week that some people are going to gas stations, they are so nervous, they pay their money and then they drive off without even pumping gas because they are kind of so freaked out about standing there.
And then another difference, some people are choosing to gas up inside the District, in D.C., where gas is a few cents more expensive, but you are not in an open area with a bunch of open fields and wooded areas around you, so people choosing to gas up inside the District rather than waiting until they get out into the suburbs.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHIEF CHARLES MOOSE, MONTGOMERY COUNTY POLICE: We are dealing with a number of witnesses, and when we're dealing with those witnesses in a graphic preparation, we are committed to not putting it out until everyone involved is get comfortable. So we do have a delay. We are working on it diligently. We remain hopeful that it is later today that the graphics will be available. Again, we think it will help people understand, have a clearer idea, prompt their memories with regards to the box truck that you've heard so much about from us in Montgomery County.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KAGAN: All right. Let's backtrack a little bit because we got a little bit out of order with that soundbite. That was Montgomery County Police Chief Charlie Moose talking about this graphic aid. They have been talking about it since early yesterday, promising they were going to release it to the media and the public, and the idea is to help the public prompt ideas about things that they might have seen.
Until today, we didn't even know what it was. Now we know it's going to be some kind of drawing, as you heard the chief say, of a box truck. So we do expect that sometime today, and as you heard the chief explain, they are trying to really get it right before they release it. And as soon as they do, of course you'll see it right here on CNN.
The big news today, the confirmation that, in fact, the shooting that took place yesterday morning in Fredericksburg, Virginia has indeed been linked through ballistic tests to the previous sniper shootings, and that shooting involved a 53-year-old man from Philadelphia. He was on a business trip. Just went to gas up his car, and as he paid, he was shot once. We know now he was shot once in the left upper back. He was Kenneth Bridges, 53 years old, from Philadelphia.
The Spotsylvania County authorities coming out about 10:00 a.m. this morning and announcing that indeed those shootings are linked. Some criticism there, because it turns out that the ATF officials had that information as early as 8:30 last night, but officials explained they have their investigative work to do and need to go about this rather carefully.
So with that being linked, Fredricka, the toll right now, 10 people shot over 10 days at least, and we are talking about eight people dead and two people wounded.
WHITFIELD: And Daryn, how about a better examination that may be done about the targeted individuals? While they are random, few of these people have anything in common, one thing investigators are looking at is how this sniper is targeting them in terms of the gunshots. Half and half have gunshot wound to the mid-section, the torso, and the other half to the head.
KAGAN: Well, keep in mind, one thing that's common with all of these shootings, they're coming from a far distance, and a lot of credit, if you can call it that, going to this shooter, saying that he or she is a good shot, but it is happening from 100 or 200 feet away from where the victim sits or is standing. That could have something to do about where the shooter is able to hit. Want to tell you the two things we are really looking for today, Fred, now that I think about it. One, 5:00 p.m. Eastern today, another news conference here, right over my right shoulder, where Montgomery County police are expected to hold yet another news conference. And as I was talking about that graphic aid, as they call it, talking about that box-shaped truck, perhaps that will be coming out at 5:00 p.m.
WHITFIELD: All right. Thanks very much, Daryn Kagan. Appreciate it, and we'll be looking for that.
And a bit earlier today, Governor Mark Warner out of Virginia also commented about this investigation now that at least two shootings are being linked to his state. Let's listen in.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GOV. MARK WARNER, VIRGINIA: These are trying times. I had a talk last night with my three daughters about what's been going on. I think it's terribly important, as from a family standpoint that we do all we can to reassure our children, to tell them the truth, that not let them get overly exposed to the wall-to-wall media coverage, to assure them that parents are trying to take care of them in terms of safety, that there are responsible people in terms of our police officers and others who are investigating and are bringing this criminal justice.
So, it's also important to realize that we all in the community obviously feel concerned and feel stressed, but that is a normal reaction. It's all right to feel that way. We need to continue going on with our lives. I'm actually going to go on to a parade over in a neighboring county, in King George, after this today. We obviously have to be on guard, but we have the best and the brightest behind us here and their teams who are working, and we will bring this matter to a conclusion.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: Again, that was Governor Mark Warner of Virginia.
People of all walks of life in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia all expressing their nerves are rattled. Investigators are now sifting through hundreds and hundreds of leads, hoping for a nugget of information that leads them to the Washington area sniper. And joining us now to shed some light on the case, former FBI investigator Don Clark, who is standing by for us in Houston. Good to see you.
DON CLARK, FORMER FBI AGENT: Good to see you, Fredricka.
WHITFIELD: All right. We heard Daryn talk a little earlier about the fact that they are using or hoping to release, investigators are, a graphic description of the vehicle involved. Is this another way of investigators saying quite openly to people, that you know what, we are needing the public's help in this investigation?
CLARK: Well, I certainly think that this is an opportunity to get some information out to the public, Fredricka, that they can help, they, we, all of us, the public can help with the -- this investigation. The police cannot go this alone. And in all likelihood, when this person is captured, and I say when because it will happen, it will perhaps be from some assistance by the public. And as much information as can be fed out there, it's very prudent to do so.
WHITFIELD: Let's talk about some of the other potential evidence that investigators may be able to count on. Of course they are looking for, you know, physical evidence at the crime scenes, but also, I understand, video cameras that are used on the highways to ordinarily monitor traffic, or even perhaps videotapes that are in some of these gas stations or places of business, the parking lot. Is it your expectation that investigators are already starting to sift through that information, they are just not releasing that publicly?
CLARK: Oh, I've got to believe that they are, Fredricka. And when we're talking about getting a sketch of some sort, perhaps that that sketch is going to be developed from an assortment of information that they have been able to collect over the time.
And we live in a society now where security cameras are rather commonplace. We walk by them all the time and never even pay them any attention. And there are some in places, nondescript places that we don't even look, and there are opportunities there. And I suspect that they have long since gone out and tried to identify if anything of that nature is available, and ask for assistance in getting that information back. And in all likelihood, that's what's going to bring the totality of some type of sketch and make it available to the public.
WHITFIELD: Now, let's talk a little bit more about this geographic profiling that we've heard so much about earlier in the week. When you look at the map of the shootings that have taken place, 10 in all now, the concentration that you see in the Montgomery County area almost sort of implies that this person knows that area very well. But when you talk about the shootings that take place near the D.C. line and even right outside -- right in Virginia, Northern Virginia, it's right along the Beltway, convenient locations just off an exit.
What does that tell you about the familiarity that this sniper just might have of certain regions?
CLARK: Well, it tells you that this person is just not -- some person that is driving into the area and all of a sudden decides that I'm going to commit this act. I suspect that the profilers are telling the investigators that at some point they're going to find out that this person perhaps is -- lives in the area and certainly has become very familiar with the area. The types of crime that's taken place here and the type of activity that he's doing with a weapon tells you that this person has cased out points of interest, points of egress so that they can get out of the area and some areas that will provide them some very good cover and concealment so that they can get engaged in such heinous crimes. So this person knows the area. I don't think there's any doubt about that. It's not somebody driving through the area and decides I'm going to do this. They definitely know the area, and I think that geographic profiling is fitting right into that area.
WHITFIELD: And does it tell you, or is there anything to glean from the fact that half of the 10 shootings now that have taken place in Montgomery County, all of them seem to be just a few blocks away from one another? Does that lead you to believe that perhaps this sniper or the snipers just might resign in the Montgomery County area, near those shootings?
CLARK: Well, you know, that area, and I'm very familiar with that area, of course, it's although they are counties, they are separate counties and even separate states there, but when you live in that area, you just consider it one area.
WHITFIELD: Right.
CLARK: And so it's like going from one ward to another, or if you're in New York City, from one borough to the next. They know that area very well, because you've got to know it to be able to navigate around it. And just take a look at the Beltway. The Beltway itself just makes a perfect opportunity for someone to start their crime spree in this case from there, because it takes you all the way around and you can almost get to any point from there.
But again, even with the Beltway, if you're not from that area, if you're not familiar with it, you wouldn't know some of the back roads and things that are so commonly traveled by the people who live there.
WHITFIELD: Exactly. I grew up in the Montgomery County area, and I know very well that, of course, I would find myself in Northern Virginia and in D.C. And I know my way around all of that, and everyone else who lives in that area is expected to do so as well.
But do you also worry that at this point that because there is such a great heightened sense of fear factor, people are starting to try to modify their lifestyles, that in some way this might kind of not be able to help investigators, because, you know, folks are not taking the time to look around at every little minute detail, vehicle, et cetera. They just want to see if there is any immediate threat of danger?
CLARK: Well, your assessment is correct, Fredricka. They are modifying their lifestyles. But, you know, as an investigator and a manager of these cases over the years, I would say to the people that no matter what's going on here, we just can't become so paranoid.
Now, that's not to say that we don't remain vigilant and make sure we are watching our surroundings. Well, one might say, how can I watch if somebody's hiding 100 yards away to attack a shot at me? Well, you really can't necessarily protect yourself from that if you are the intended victim. However, people who are not the intended victim and don't know that they are not maybe have an opportunity to take a look at some things.
For an example, if a victim is shot, most of us in the area would immediately rush to the victim. That's just human nature. And the victim is the priority in that time. And you hear a gunshot sound, but if you hear a gunshot sound, you don't hear it where the victim fell. The gunshot sound was where the bullet was fired from, and that direction is a direction that people should be geared to look toward to see if they see something that is speeding away or something that is uncustomary in that area if they happen to live there.
These are the types of things that I think that we can get out and we can look for and be more vigilant toward, and maybe can help the investigators.
WHITFIELD: All right. Former FBI investigator Don Clark, always good to see you. Thank you very much for joining us. Appreciate it.
CLARK: Good to see you, Fredricka. Thank you.
WHITFIELD: Well, many Washington area residents are living in fear as we just spoke of, afraid that there just might be another sniper attack. To give us a better sense as to the extreme measures that people are taking to protect themselves, we go now to Serena Altschul.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
SERENA ALTSCHUL, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): As long as the sniper is still on the loose, some people here in Virginia are taking extra safety precautions.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I drive now to walk down a block.
ALTSCHUL (on camera): And there things you wouldn't do right now?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes, absolutely. I wouldn't walk across any area, big area, or even across the street.
ALTSCHUL (voice-over): And some are even going to extremes.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Washington police supply.
ALTSCHUL (on camera): What kind of calls do you get now after this guy's been around for the last week or so?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We've gotten a few calls from civilians that call up and they want to know, you know, do you sell bulletproof vests? Yes. For that level of protection, when you're talking about trying to get body armor when they're just afraid to go to work, it is a little bit hysterical. Unfortunately, it's not without cause at this time, but it's not -- it's not the answer.
ALTSCHUL (voice-over): Many say the best thing to do is get back to their daily lives. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm just going about my daily routine. I'm not changing anything. Of course, I'm always looking out, trying to be safe, and I just tell people, just look over your shoulder, be safe, and you should do that all the time anyway.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Myself, I haven't changed anything. No. I haven't even actually given it a second thought.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You can't stop your life. We all need to go out, we all need to get food, gas, whatever it be. Just can't be a hermit all our lives.
ALTSCHUL: Brave words and determination in uncertain times.
Serena Altschul, CNN, Arlington, Virginia.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Aired October 12, 2002 - 13:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: An eighth life claimed by a sniper. Communities under siege and on edge in D.C. and the suburbs.
Good afternoon. This is a special edition of CNN SATURDAY. I'm Fredricka Whitfield.
We are continuing to keep close tabs on this investigation. Already the fear is rising and the search for the sniper intensifies. Our Daryn Kagan is in Montgomery County, and she's been following this investigation from there.
Daryn, I've talked to a lot of friends and family members there in the Montgomery County area, and all of them are telling me how much this is affecting their day-to-day lives. When they are at the gas stations, they are crouching down, or they are running into the stores. Since you have been there, how are you finding that this level of fear is affecting your day-to-day operations there?
DARYN KAGAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Fred, hello, and greetings from Montgomery County, Maryland.
First of all, I have to be honest, I just got in late last night and the alarm clock went off at 3:12 a.m. this morning, and I came right here to the scene, so I have not had that much of a chance to be out and about. But I have had a chance to talk with some folks and ask them that very question.
You mentioned gas stations. That's an interesting tidbit. First of all, what we are hearing different anecdotes, "The Washington Post" reporting earlier this week that some people are going to gas stations, they are so nervous, they pay their money and then they drive off without even pumping gas because they are kind of so freaked out about standing there.
And then another difference, some people are choosing to gas up inside the District, in D.C., where gas is a few cents more expensive, but you are not in an open area with a bunch of open fields and wooded areas around you, so people choosing to gas up inside the District rather than waiting until they get out into the suburbs.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHIEF CHARLES MOOSE, MONTGOMERY COUNTY POLICE: We are dealing with a number of witnesses, and when we're dealing with those witnesses in a graphic preparation, we are committed to not putting it out until everyone involved is get comfortable. So we do have a delay. We are working on it diligently. We remain hopeful that it is later today that the graphics will be available. Again, we think it will help people understand, have a clearer idea, prompt their memories with regards to the box truck that you've heard so much about from us in Montgomery County.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KAGAN: All right. Let's backtrack a little bit because we got a little bit out of order with that soundbite. That was Montgomery County Police Chief Charlie Moose talking about this graphic aid. They have been talking about it since early yesterday, promising they were going to release it to the media and the public, and the idea is to help the public prompt ideas about things that they might have seen.
Until today, we didn't even know what it was. Now we know it's going to be some kind of drawing, as you heard the chief say, of a box truck. So we do expect that sometime today, and as you heard the chief explain, they are trying to really get it right before they release it. And as soon as they do, of course you'll see it right here on CNN.
The big news today, the confirmation that, in fact, the shooting that took place yesterday morning in Fredericksburg, Virginia has indeed been linked through ballistic tests to the previous sniper shootings, and that shooting involved a 53-year-old man from Philadelphia. He was on a business trip. Just went to gas up his car, and as he paid, he was shot once. We know now he was shot once in the left upper back. He was Kenneth Bridges, 53 years old, from Philadelphia.
The Spotsylvania County authorities coming out about 10:00 a.m. this morning and announcing that indeed those shootings are linked. Some criticism there, because it turns out that the ATF officials had that information as early as 8:30 last night, but officials explained they have their investigative work to do and need to go about this rather carefully.
So with that being linked, Fredricka, the toll right now, 10 people shot over 10 days at least, and we are talking about eight people dead and two people wounded.
WHITFIELD: And Daryn, how about a better examination that may be done about the targeted individuals? While they are random, few of these people have anything in common, one thing investigators are looking at is how this sniper is targeting them in terms of the gunshots. Half and half have gunshot wound to the mid-section, the torso, and the other half to the head.
KAGAN: Well, keep in mind, one thing that's common with all of these shootings, they're coming from a far distance, and a lot of credit, if you can call it that, going to this shooter, saying that he or she is a good shot, but it is happening from 100 or 200 feet away from where the victim sits or is standing. That could have something to do about where the shooter is able to hit. Want to tell you the two things we are really looking for today, Fred, now that I think about it. One, 5:00 p.m. Eastern today, another news conference here, right over my right shoulder, where Montgomery County police are expected to hold yet another news conference. And as I was talking about that graphic aid, as they call it, talking about that box-shaped truck, perhaps that will be coming out at 5:00 p.m.
WHITFIELD: All right. Thanks very much, Daryn Kagan. Appreciate it, and we'll be looking for that.
And a bit earlier today, Governor Mark Warner out of Virginia also commented about this investigation now that at least two shootings are being linked to his state. Let's listen in.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GOV. MARK WARNER, VIRGINIA: These are trying times. I had a talk last night with my three daughters about what's been going on. I think it's terribly important, as from a family standpoint that we do all we can to reassure our children, to tell them the truth, that not let them get overly exposed to the wall-to-wall media coverage, to assure them that parents are trying to take care of them in terms of safety, that there are responsible people in terms of our police officers and others who are investigating and are bringing this criminal justice.
So, it's also important to realize that we all in the community obviously feel concerned and feel stressed, but that is a normal reaction. It's all right to feel that way. We need to continue going on with our lives. I'm actually going to go on to a parade over in a neighboring county, in King George, after this today. We obviously have to be on guard, but we have the best and the brightest behind us here and their teams who are working, and we will bring this matter to a conclusion.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: Again, that was Governor Mark Warner of Virginia.
People of all walks of life in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia all expressing their nerves are rattled. Investigators are now sifting through hundreds and hundreds of leads, hoping for a nugget of information that leads them to the Washington area sniper. And joining us now to shed some light on the case, former FBI investigator Don Clark, who is standing by for us in Houston. Good to see you.
DON CLARK, FORMER FBI AGENT: Good to see you, Fredricka.
WHITFIELD: All right. We heard Daryn talk a little earlier about the fact that they are using or hoping to release, investigators are, a graphic description of the vehicle involved. Is this another way of investigators saying quite openly to people, that you know what, we are needing the public's help in this investigation?
CLARK: Well, I certainly think that this is an opportunity to get some information out to the public, Fredricka, that they can help, they, we, all of us, the public can help with the -- this investigation. The police cannot go this alone. And in all likelihood, when this person is captured, and I say when because it will happen, it will perhaps be from some assistance by the public. And as much information as can be fed out there, it's very prudent to do so.
WHITFIELD: Let's talk about some of the other potential evidence that investigators may be able to count on. Of course they are looking for, you know, physical evidence at the crime scenes, but also, I understand, video cameras that are used on the highways to ordinarily monitor traffic, or even perhaps videotapes that are in some of these gas stations or places of business, the parking lot. Is it your expectation that investigators are already starting to sift through that information, they are just not releasing that publicly?
CLARK: Oh, I've got to believe that they are, Fredricka. And when we're talking about getting a sketch of some sort, perhaps that that sketch is going to be developed from an assortment of information that they have been able to collect over the time.
And we live in a society now where security cameras are rather commonplace. We walk by them all the time and never even pay them any attention. And there are some in places, nondescript places that we don't even look, and there are opportunities there. And I suspect that they have long since gone out and tried to identify if anything of that nature is available, and ask for assistance in getting that information back. And in all likelihood, that's what's going to bring the totality of some type of sketch and make it available to the public.
WHITFIELD: Now, let's talk a little bit more about this geographic profiling that we've heard so much about earlier in the week. When you look at the map of the shootings that have taken place, 10 in all now, the concentration that you see in the Montgomery County area almost sort of implies that this person knows that area very well. But when you talk about the shootings that take place near the D.C. line and even right outside -- right in Virginia, Northern Virginia, it's right along the Beltway, convenient locations just off an exit.
What does that tell you about the familiarity that this sniper just might have of certain regions?
CLARK: Well, it tells you that this person is just not -- some person that is driving into the area and all of a sudden decides that I'm going to commit this act. I suspect that the profilers are telling the investigators that at some point they're going to find out that this person perhaps is -- lives in the area and certainly has become very familiar with the area. The types of crime that's taken place here and the type of activity that he's doing with a weapon tells you that this person has cased out points of interest, points of egress so that they can get out of the area and some areas that will provide them some very good cover and concealment so that they can get engaged in such heinous crimes. So this person knows the area. I don't think there's any doubt about that. It's not somebody driving through the area and decides I'm going to do this. They definitely know the area, and I think that geographic profiling is fitting right into that area.
WHITFIELD: And does it tell you, or is there anything to glean from the fact that half of the 10 shootings now that have taken place in Montgomery County, all of them seem to be just a few blocks away from one another? Does that lead you to believe that perhaps this sniper or the snipers just might resign in the Montgomery County area, near those shootings?
CLARK: Well, you know, that area, and I'm very familiar with that area, of course, it's although they are counties, they are separate counties and even separate states there, but when you live in that area, you just consider it one area.
WHITFIELD: Right.
CLARK: And so it's like going from one ward to another, or if you're in New York City, from one borough to the next. They know that area very well, because you've got to know it to be able to navigate around it. And just take a look at the Beltway. The Beltway itself just makes a perfect opportunity for someone to start their crime spree in this case from there, because it takes you all the way around and you can almost get to any point from there.
But again, even with the Beltway, if you're not from that area, if you're not familiar with it, you wouldn't know some of the back roads and things that are so commonly traveled by the people who live there.
WHITFIELD: Exactly. I grew up in the Montgomery County area, and I know very well that, of course, I would find myself in Northern Virginia and in D.C. And I know my way around all of that, and everyone else who lives in that area is expected to do so as well.
But do you also worry that at this point that because there is such a great heightened sense of fear factor, people are starting to try to modify their lifestyles, that in some way this might kind of not be able to help investigators, because, you know, folks are not taking the time to look around at every little minute detail, vehicle, et cetera. They just want to see if there is any immediate threat of danger?
CLARK: Well, your assessment is correct, Fredricka. They are modifying their lifestyles. But, you know, as an investigator and a manager of these cases over the years, I would say to the people that no matter what's going on here, we just can't become so paranoid.
Now, that's not to say that we don't remain vigilant and make sure we are watching our surroundings. Well, one might say, how can I watch if somebody's hiding 100 yards away to attack a shot at me? Well, you really can't necessarily protect yourself from that if you are the intended victim. However, people who are not the intended victim and don't know that they are not maybe have an opportunity to take a look at some things.
For an example, if a victim is shot, most of us in the area would immediately rush to the victim. That's just human nature. And the victim is the priority in that time. And you hear a gunshot sound, but if you hear a gunshot sound, you don't hear it where the victim fell. The gunshot sound was where the bullet was fired from, and that direction is a direction that people should be geared to look toward to see if they see something that is speeding away or something that is uncustomary in that area if they happen to live there.
These are the types of things that I think that we can get out and we can look for and be more vigilant toward, and maybe can help the investigators.
WHITFIELD: All right. Former FBI investigator Don Clark, always good to see you. Thank you very much for joining us. Appreciate it.
CLARK: Good to see you, Fredricka. Thank you.
WHITFIELD: Well, many Washington area residents are living in fear as we just spoke of, afraid that there just might be another sniper attack. To give us a better sense as to the extreme measures that people are taking to protect themselves, we go now to Serena Altschul.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
SERENA ALTSCHUL, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): As long as the sniper is still on the loose, some people here in Virginia are taking extra safety precautions.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I drive now to walk down a block.
ALTSCHUL (on camera): And there things you wouldn't do right now?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes, absolutely. I wouldn't walk across any area, big area, or even across the street.
ALTSCHUL (voice-over): And some are even going to extremes.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Washington police supply.
ALTSCHUL (on camera): What kind of calls do you get now after this guy's been around for the last week or so?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We've gotten a few calls from civilians that call up and they want to know, you know, do you sell bulletproof vests? Yes. For that level of protection, when you're talking about trying to get body armor when they're just afraid to go to work, it is a little bit hysterical. Unfortunately, it's not without cause at this time, but it's not -- it's not the answer.
ALTSCHUL (voice-over): Many say the best thing to do is get back to their daily lives. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm just going about my daily routine. I'm not changing anything. Of course, I'm always looking out, trying to be safe, and I just tell people, just look over your shoulder, be safe, and you should do that all the time anyway.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Myself, I haven't changed anything. No. I haven't even actually given it a second thought.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You can't stop your life. We all need to go out, we all need to get food, gas, whatever it be. Just can't be a hermit all our lives.
ALTSCHUL: Brave words and determination in uncertain times.
Serena Altschul, CNN, Arlington, Virginia.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
