Posted on 06/20/2002 2:16:19 AM PDT by kattracks
Fire trucks, ambulances also seen as 'ideal' weapons
NYPD and FDNY brass were warned that terrorists may try to use police cars, fire trucks and ambulances as high-speed bombs after two Middle Eastern men tried to buy an ambulance with cash this month, the Daily News has learned.
The two unidentified men went to a northern New Jersey shop that specializes in building replica ambulances and police cars sometime in the last two weeks, a law enforcement source said.
But when the men whipped out cash to pay for the ambulance, the owner balked and the men quickly fled without leaving any identification behind, the source said. The owner alerted authorities, who warned city law enforcement officials.
"This is a real concern. Terrorists in Israel have used ambulances to sneak suicide bombers into areas," the source said.
"If a terrorist got their hands on one of these vehicles, it would be an ideal way for them to get in somewhere," said another high-ranking law enforcement official who was briefed about the threat.
Among the high-security targets officials fear terrorists could infiltrate are City Hall, Police Headquarters and key FBI and Fire Department facilities, sources said.
Police spokesman Michael O'Looney would not comment on any specific threat but said police have been on a continued heightened state of alert since Sept. 11.
"We remain aware and vigilant against a variety of possible terror attacks," said O'Looney.
FDNY spokesman Frank Gribbon declined comment, other than to say, "The Fire Department is in constant communication with the Police Department and will take any threat seriously. There is constant communication between both agencies regarding public safety."
Taking Precautions
But FDNY sources said fire marshals — who are armed investigators — have begun securing ambulance stations and garages where such vehicles are stored or repaired.
The marshals also have been looking for any suspicious activity around FDNY headquarters and the 911 center, both based in downtown Brooklyn, the sources said.
Marshals also are working alongside NYPD detectives with the Joint Terrorist Task Force, sources said.
The NYPD and the FDNY have alerted rank-and-file members to keep a close eye on any official department cars.
"We've been told to watch our vehicles, all our vehicles," a Fire Department source said. "It's the vehicles that can get into areas that we are really concerned about. Who is not going to let a patrol car pass, or an ambulance, especially if we are in a state of emergency?"
Meanwhile, the FBI is boosting its already high alert for terrorist attacks at Fourth of July parades, concerts and fireworks shows, officials said yesterday.
The agency has asked all 56 field offices to create plans by today for security at holiday events in their regions.
Agents plan to use electronic surveillance and scatter undercover agents at parades and other public gatherings — especially large ones featuring celebrities or politicians.
Officials expect larger-than-usual turnouts at events this July 4, the first Independence Day since the Sept. 11 attacks rekindled a fierce patriotism nationwide.
There have been no specific threats, but interrogation of Afghan detainees in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, has revealed a "general interest in the day as a possible target," a top official told The Associated Press.
With Helen Kennedy in Washington
Huh? GovernmentShrinker though I am, I think this activity should be illegal or at least tightly regulated. Who has a legitimate use for a working replica of an ambulance or police car? I suppose TV and film studios, perhaps, though they probably use mock-ups with temporary words and logos applied to match the location of the story, or buy used vehicles from the original owners if there's an ongoing need due to something like a police show series. I hope authorities are checking out the entire customer list of this outfit -- not just the ones who tried to pay in cash and fled when turned down.
It's quite a little industry. After a production, they are recycled and used again. In the LA area, many Middle easterners gravitate toward the automotive industry, although they are uniformly (and I say this without fear of bigotry)horrible at the technical aspects, they are wizards at the financial. No trick at all for them to set up a fake cop car shop.
The Iranian used-car, tow-truck, "repair," and salvage title business in LA is a thing of wonderment to behold. Floor planning and re-floor-planning of the same 250 units is a spectacular ruse for them. The unofficial "open policy" insurance scam they run has driven legit tow companies out of business, and they are starting on ambulances, although those are better controlled than tow-trucks.
A tour of LA's Iranian, 'Palestinian', Syrian, Iraqi, Lebanese, and even Egyptian car "businesses" in the LA area would be most instructive for the FBI Clymer Brigade. (That is, if they were not too busy setting up stings that go bad, then boom, or shooting civilians at Waco or Ruby Ridge, or suppressing and distorting evidence back at the "lab.")
Ya tried to warn 'em...
I might like this new WYSIWYG for text posting!
If you are into RC, keep an eye out at the hobby store and model airfield.
Hold on for July 4th it might get to be a wild ride.
Stay well - Stay safe - Stay armed - Yorktown
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