Security Briefs - March 11 - March 17
The Latest Headlines:
- Suspect in Ohio Highway Shootings Arrested
- Government to Tighten Security Along U.S.-Mexico Border
- Homeland Security Issues Alert After Attacks in Spain
- Truck Hauling $1 Million in Computers Stolen
- South Carolina Proposes Port Security Fee
- Government to Tighten Security Along U.S.-Mexico Border
Suspect in Ohio Highway Shootings Arrested
The man suspected in two dozen sniper shootings along Ohio highways was arrested early Wednesday in Las Vegas, the Associated Press reported.Charles McCoy Jr. is accused of 24 shootings around several highways on the southern outskirts of Columbus, Ohio, that killed one person, pierced homes and a school, dented school buses, flattened tires and shattered windshields.
Until January, the gunfire was scattered along or near Interstate 270, the busy highway that encircles Columbus. The last four shootings had moved toward the southwest on I-71.
Government to Tighten Security Along U.S.-Mexico Border
The U.S. government said it planned to begin a major air and ground initiative at the U.S.-Mexico border to help keep out illegal immigrants, drug smugglers and terrorists, the New York Times reported.The $10 million plan is expected to include the first use of unmanned aircraft for border patrol, the addition of several hundred agents and the creation of seven tent complexes to detain illegal border crossers.
The United States is scheduled to begin using the remote-controlled aircraft in June to supplement manned air and ground patrols. It will be the first time the drones will be used for border patrol in the United States, other than on a trial basis, the article said. Transport Topics
Homeland Security Issues Alert After Attacks in Spain
Following last week's deadly train bombings in Spain, the U.S Department of Homeland Security has issued a bulletin advising state officials, police and transit agencies to consider additional surveillance, the Associated Press reported.A series of train bombings on Thursday in Spain killed more than 200 people and wounded about 1,400. The attacks did not prompt the United States to raise its terror alert level, which remains at yellow, indicating an "elevated" threat.
Amtrak and transit systems in many large cities increased surveillance of bridges and tunnels following the attack in Spain, AP said.
However, a Homeland Security official said Friday there was not a specific indication that terrorists were considering attacks on the United States in the near term. Transport Topics
Truck Hauling $1 Million in Computers Stolen
A truck hauling $1 million worth of computers was stolen from a truck stop near Indianapolis on March 5, the Associated Press reported.Although police later pulled over a different truck and found the stolen computer monitors, the truck remains missing, AP said.
Police said James Edward Reynolds Jr. pulled his 2000 Mack truck off Interstate 65 in Whiteland, about 10 miles south of Indianapolis, to get a cup of coffee. He returned five minutes later, to find the truck missing, AP said.
According to the police, the rig was locked, as were air brakes that required a separate key. In addition, the thief disabled a device that lets the owner, Warrior Xpress, track the vehicle, AP said.
Don Rondeau, director of security for the American Trucking Associations, told AP thieves recently have developed methods to target specific types of cargo and networks for quickly unloading their loot. Transport Topics
South Carolina Proposes Port Security Fee
South Carolina's State Ports Authority has proposed a $1 security fee per foot of a ship's length, the Associated Press reported.The surcharge could take effect in July and would likely generate $1 million a year to cover increased port security costs. However, shipping lines said the fee should be spread out so cargo owners, truckers, rail carriers, stevedores and others pay as well, AP said.
Shipping lines estimated the fee could cost at least $125,000 a year and could cause them to avoiding unloading in South Carolina ports.
The authority is pursuing a pact known as a "Maritime Security Discussion Agreement," in which other ports and shipping lines nationwide would agree on a uniform package of security fees, AP said. Transport Topics
