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| Trucker shot by state trooper being investigated for terrorist ties |
| 2004-09-01 |
| Authorities say the unusual behavior of a New York truck driver who was pulled over for speeding and then shot during a confrontation with a state trooper has prompted them to investigate possible terrorist ties. Mohammed Medhat Karim, 46, was pulled over Monday by Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Thomas C. Kilpatrick for speeding on U.S. Highway 64 in Wayne County, about 80 miles southwest of Nashville. As Kilpatrick was returning with the citation, authorities said Karim backed into the trooper's car, and "there was a confrontation at that time." Kilpatrick fired several shots, striking the driver in his chest, according to reports. Karim somehow took the gun away from the trooper, got back in his rig and drove about a mile before apparently realizing he had been shot and pulled over, authorities said. He was then arrested. "It's a very strange set of circumstances," said District Attorney General Mike Bottoms, who called for the probe. "We're trying to find out why a driver would act the way this one did for a speeding ticket." Maj. Gen. Jerry Humble, director of Tennessee's Homeland Security, said authorities "don't have any indication right now" that Karim may be tied to terrorists, but they're just being "cautious." "It's normal procedure," Humble said. "This is the world we live in after 9/11, so this is the steps we have to take. Law enforcement never know what's going to happen." Humble agreed with Bottoms that it was Karim's "actions" that "raised our eyebrows," not his foreign-sounding name or the fact that President Bush was in town Tuesday to speak to the American Legion national convention. "It was irrational behavior from a commercial truck driver, and this was a crime," Humble said. Karim's tractor trailer has been impounded, he said, and it's going to be off-loaded. Authorities haven't yet learned what cargo the truck was carrying. Meanwhile, Karim remains at Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he was listed in critical condition Tuesday. No charges have been filed against him, and his driving record was not available under New York privacy laws. Kilpatrick has been placed on administrative leave with pay. |
| Posted by:Dan Darling |
| #11 Lori sez, "What'll it be - left or right, asshat?" |
| Posted by: .AbuChoice 2004-09-01 8:27:41 PM |
| #10 Much as I love Tennessee, living here as I do, you have to understand that most of our law enforment (Not all) aren't what you'd call, enthusiasts. There was an incident here in Knoxville where a man with a pellet gun threatened police and in reponse they fired at him 26 times, managing to slightly wound him in the arm. Sad as that is, I doubt the cops in other states do much better. |
| Posted by: Silentbrick 2004-09-01 8:06:17 PM |
| #9 98zulu - We need Dirty Harry back! "Ah-ah, I know what you're thinking punk. You're thinking did he fire six shots or only 5. And to tell you the truth I've forgotten myself in all this excitement. But being this is a .44 Magnum - the most powerful hand gun in the world and will blow your head clean off, you've got to ask yourself a question--Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya punk????" |
| Posted by: BigEd 2004-09-01 7:57:21 PM |
| #8 Dar: Nail on the head. If it had been .45 ACP, the only medical personnel needed would have been a coroner. I bet the next time he goes out on patrol he won't be carrying THAT hush puppy pistol. |
| Posted by: 98zulu 2004-09-01 1:52:27 PM |
| #7 How did I know without reading the full article the guy's name wouldn't be "Dwayne"? These troopers must have 9mm or smaller poodle shooters, as Kim du Toit would say. If Mohammed had been hit by a .357 or .45, he would have been very aware he'd been hit! |
| Posted by: Dar 2004-09-01 12:30:26 PM |
| #6 Since they have Karim medicated, its time to ask questions. Also there should be a arabic-speaking guard bedside, in case he starts to babble in his sleep. Info can be gained. |
| Posted by: BigEd 2004-09-01 11:09:05 AM |
| #5 #3 Where the hell was that cops back-up weapon and why the heck didn't he dot the perps eyes? There are really very few Troopers in TN. I didn't look up the exact number, but I believe there is only approx 200 - 250 for the entire state (this includes admin people, I believe). Each trooper covers quite a large area and operates alone the vast majority of the time. Additionally, Wayne county is a rural area and any local PD or sheriff was likely not close enough to respond as a back-up in a reasonable amount of time. Also, most THP have never (or very rarely) had to un-holster their side arm while on the job. And due to the fact that they spend most of their time patrolling, they don’t get a great deal of time at the range. Given the circumstances (hostile action by the suspect, adrenaline pumping, etc.), I’d say Trooper Kilpatrick did an admirable job of stopping the suspect…even if he was not immediately stopped. |
| Posted by: Pyscho Hillbilly 2004-09-01 10:13:32 AM |
| #4 Here in a Tennessee Troopers "back-up weapon", if he has one, is kept in the patrol car. It's usually a shotgun. As for taking away the Trooper's weapon, in a struggle it depends on the size and strength of one's adversary. It's not like in the movies where someone gets shot and immediately falls over dead. Unless there is a heart shot or a head shot a person can keep going for quite some time. |
| Posted by: Deacon Blues 2004-09-01 8:00:39 AM |
| #3 Where the hell was that cops back-up weapon and why the heck didn't he dot the perps eyes? |
| Posted by: Sock Puppet of Doom 2004-09-01 2:38:44 AM |
| #2 How the hell did he take the gun away from the highway patrolman? This story is bizarre. |
| Posted by: John in Tokyo 2004-09-01 2:34:06 AM |
| #1 Pulling over to facilitate receipt of medical attention would be considered irrational behavior for a suicide bomber. |
| Posted by: Super Hose 2004-09-01 2:03:31 AM |
