Posted on 06/21/2005 5:43:12 AM PDT by Abathar
OAKVILLE, Ind. -- Authorities seized several assault rifles, submachine guns, ammunition and explosives from a former Army soldier's property and said they believed he was a threat to the community.
They also found extremist literature, including a book written and signed by Randy Weaver, who gained fame after waging the Ruby Ridge standoff against federal authorities in 1992, the sheriff said. The weapons seizure at Jack Wilkerson's home was likely the largest in Delaware County history, Sheriff George Sheridan said.
Police recovered an estimated $30,000 worth of guns, 2,000 pounds of ammunition and 436 pounds of explosives.
"We're talking mortar shells, artillery rounds, tank rounds and projectiles," Sheridan said.
Wilkerson, a 64-year-old retired U.S. Army electronics specialist, lived by himself in a run-down, single-story house that was protected by an alarm system and infrared surveillance in the 230-person town 10 miles south of Muncie, police said.
Deputies discovered the cache Saturday after family members asked police to check on Wilkerson, who had threatened to kill himself, Sheridan said.
But neighbors said they knew he was a gun collector and eccentric.
"He was no threat to us," Paul Covington, a next-door neighbor with three young children, told The Star Press of Muncie.
Others said police exaggerated the importance of the discovery and are hurting Wilkerson's reputation. Wilkerson has not been charged and was at Ball Memorial Hospital for psychiatric evaluation, Sheridan said.
The sheriff's department bomb squad spent four hours blowing up the explosives at a shooting range Sunday but saved the ammunition in case it would be necessary for future investigations or court proceedings, Sheridan said.
Why do I feel less of a threat from this guy than I do from the gov't???
My God, they found a.....BOOK!
"Wilkerson, a 64-year-old retired U.S. Army electronics specialist, lived by himself in a run-down, single-story house that was protected by an alarm system and infrared surveillance in the 230-person town 10 miles south of Muncie, police said. "
Sounds like Drake Savage from Black Sheep.
You, also, must be eccentric.
Sounds like he was properly protecting his Class III toys.
You aren't dumb.
I don't need a book.
Let us not forget Waco and Janet Reno (not the person but the politics).
an autographed copy of randy weaver's book is extremist literature? is that gonna be one of the flagged books if they extend the patriot act?
(Came to his house without a warrant,)
Didn't need one, it was a welfare check, at the request of his family. Very common after threats of suicide.
More like Dale from King of the Hill.
His neighbors had no problem with him, but his family apparently did. Wonder if it was genuine concern for his well-being or if he pissed someone off?
I know it depresses me.
Sounds like a real threat, a threat to a tyrannical government that is stealing our liberties, freedoms, and methods of self-defense!
Since when is Randy Weaver an extremist. He was awarded a cash settlement from the government because they killed his wife and child in an uncalled for raid on his home. There is no other literature cited in the article so I am assuming this is simply a bunch of anti-gunners making headlines off of a depressed guy who wants to commit suicide. I bet his family are sorry now they mentioned it!
If I were you I would move first to VA.
You know, if they searched my house they're gonna find both of Travis McGee's books, signed by him.
They'll also find both my pistols, my shotgun, and my rifle (which amounts to "thousands of dollars worth of firearms") along with thousands of rounds of ammunition.
And they ain't gonna like it!
If he was depressed before he is really going to be depressed now - those guns were probably his pride and joy.
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