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Police Chasing Sniper Give Witness Tips
Aired October 16, 2002 - 13:03 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.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: A short while ago we had a briefing from the task force.
We have Patty Davis with us right now to talk a little bit about what we learned from the captain Nancy Demme today.
PATTY DAVIS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Police say that so far they are unable to come up with a composite sketch of a suspect in these sniper shootings due to witnesses seeing this person in the darkness, adrenaline rush taking place. Nobody really has been able to come up with a refined description of a suspect. They're asking people still please come forward, give them any information about any suspects they might see. And they're giving out tips about how to be a good witness.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CAPT. NANCY DEMME, MONTGOMERY COUNTY POLICE: Remember, though, that personal safety comes first. If you hear the sound of a gunshot, I want you to get down or seek cover. Please remember that is paramount, your safety. Look in the direction of the sound. Make a mental note of the person or the vehicles in the area.
With regard to people, remember that some facts and characteristics are permanent and some are temporary. For example, people temporary characteristics would be clothing, color of the clothing, hair style, facial hair, beard, mustache, glasses. Permanent would be height, build, complexion. For vehicles, temporary would be color, tag number, dents, primer, lights that are broken. For vehicles, permanent would be more the make or model of the vehicle. Some temporary characteristics can be altered more easily than others.
Commit what you saw to memory. Have a pen available on your person, and if paper is not available, write it on your hand. Remain on the scene in a safe place until police arrive. Do not allow other witnesses or the media to contaminate your memory. Do not compare or discuss what you saw with another witness.
But remember, first of all, safety is the most important thing.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
DAVIS: Law enforcement sources tell CNN that three witnesses at two different shootings say that they saw an olive-skinned man.
Some new tidbits that we learned today, a source is telling CNN they believe the shot that was fired and killed 47-year-old Linda Franklin was fired from just 30 yards away. Also, one witness saying that he or she saw a man brandishing a weapon from his shoulder -- Daryn
KAGAN: I don't know whether to pick it (UNINTELLIGIBLE) like in a lineup of weapons or (UNINTELLIGIBLE) describe this, but as we learned in that news conference, at least the eyewitness believes that that gun was an AK-74.
DAVIS: That's right. One witness, police are saying, firmly believe that was the weapon. But they are telling people don't let that decide what you are thinking or what you see. They're not sure about it. Keep looking.
KAGAN: Because the suspect could go ahead and just change out weapons as well.
DAVIS: Right.
KAGAN: Patty Davis, thank you so much.
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 16, 2002 - 13:03 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: A short while ago we had a briefing from the task force.
We have Patty Davis with us right now to talk a little bit about what we learned from the captain Nancy Demme today.
PATTY DAVIS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Police say that so far they are unable to come up with a composite sketch of a suspect in these sniper shootings due to witnesses seeing this person in the darkness, adrenaline rush taking place. Nobody really has been able to come up with a refined description of a suspect. They're asking people still please come forward, give them any information about any suspects they might see. And they're giving out tips about how to be a good witness.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CAPT. NANCY DEMME, MONTGOMERY COUNTY POLICE: Remember, though, that personal safety comes first. If you hear the sound of a gunshot, I want you to get down or seek cover. Please remember that is paramount, your safety. Look in the direction of the sound. Make a mental note of the person or the vehicles in the area.
With regard to people, remember that some facts and characteristics are permanent and some are temporary. For example, people temporary characteristics would be clothing, color of the clothing, hair style, facial hair, beard, mustache, glasses. Permanent would be height, build, complexion. For vehicles, temporary would be color, tag number, dents, primer, lights that are broken. For vehicles, permanent would be more the make or model of the vehicle. Some temporary characteristics can be altered more easily than others.
Commit what you saw to memory. Have a pen available on your person, and if paper is not available, write it on your hand. Remain on the scene in a safe place until police arrive. Do not allow other witnesses or the media to contaminate your memory. Do not compare or discuss what you saw with another witness.
But remember, first of all, safety is the most important thing.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
DAVIS: Law enforcement sources tell CNN that three witnesses at two different shootings say that they saw an olive-skinned man.
Some new tidbits that we learned today, a source is telling CNN they believe the shot that was fired and killed 47-year-old Linda Franklin was fired from just 30 yards away. Also, one witness saying that he or she saw a man brandishing a weapon from his shoulder -- Daryn
KAGAN: I don't know whether to pick it (UNINTELLIGIBLE) like in a lineup of weapons or (UNINTELLIGIBLE) describe this, but as we learned in that news conference, at least the eyewitness believes that that gun was an AK-74.
DAVIS: That's right. One witness, police are saying, firmly believe that was the weapon. But they are telling people don't let that decide what you are thinking or what you see. They're not sure about it. Keep looking.
KAGAN: Because the suspect could go ahead and just change out weapons as well.
DAVIS: Right.
KAGAN: Patty Davis, thank you so much.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
