Sheriff thanks suspect in Alabama hostage standoff, according to a report posted today at Fox News.
Sheriff Wally Olson says Hostage suspect Jimmy Lee Dykes has told authorities he has an electric heater and blankets in the bunker for the 5-year-old boy he abducted off a school bus after allegedly fatally shooting the bus driver on Friday. Dykes has also allowed authorities to deliver coloring books, medication, and toys for the boy.
"I want to thank him for taking care of our boy," Olson said. "That's very important."
Dykes, 65, is considered a loner by many, and police say Negotiators have been attempting to persuade the Vietnam veteran to surrender.
Neighbor Michael Creel says Dykes' bunker is homemade. He says Dykes dug several feet into the ground, constructed the bunker out of wood, then covered it with sand and dirt.
Creel also believes the goal Dykes has for this hostage standoff is to publicize his political beliefs.
"I believe he wants to rant and rave about politics and government," Creel said. "He's very concerned about his property. He doesn't want his stuff messed with."
Sources say Dykes was set to appear in court Wednesday "to answer charges he shot at his neighbors in a dispute last month over a speed bump." No one was hurt in that incident.
Charles Albert Poland Jr., 66, was reportedly shot by Dykes for attempting to block access to the children on his bus. He has been by local residents as a hero who gave his life to protect the children in his care.
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