THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, July 5, 1995 TAG: 9507050077
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: CHARLESTON, S.C. LENGTH: Short : 50 lines
A Vietnam veteran who authorities said was suicidal took control of the decommissioned aircraft carrier Yorktown in Charleston Harbor Tuesday, disrupting Independence Day celebrations for thousands while negotiators tried to talk him off the ship.
Authorities believed the Army vet, identified only as Jimmy, had a gun, but couldn't confirm it.
But just to be sure they closed the ship, a floating museum; the adjacent park and golf course and a swath of harbor that could be in a line of fire.
No one had been injured and the man, in his 40s, with a beard, shoulder-length hair and dressed in camouflage, is alone on the ship, officials said.
He told negotiators with a crisis team from the Medical University of South Carolina that he's armed.
``He is showing no signs of budging,'' said Roger Heide, public safety director at the park. Heide said the man told negotiators he has enough supplies to last him a week.
Authorities canceled Fourth of July celebrations that were to include a morning flag-raising, a breakfast and a tour of the ship. As many as 5,000 people were expected for the day, museum curator Steve Ewing said.
Each year, thousands gather on the deck of the ship to watch fireworks explode above the city of Charleston, just across the harbor. The fireworks display will go on as planned, although the ship will be closed to viewers.
The man drove his car past two unarmed security guards about 4 a.m. and climbed the stairs up to the World War II-era ship, authorities said.
Retired Adm. Jim Flatley, executive director of the maritime park, said the man has said he has no intention of hurting anyone. But, Flatley said, ``we're definitely convinced he's a threat to himself.''
In his conversations with negotiators he has spoken about women joining the military and family values, Flatley said.
``He's a veteran who has had a few problems in his life. We're taking it step by step at this time,'' Flatley said.
Mount Pleasant City Administrator Max Burdette said neither the ship nor anyone else is in danger, so there are no plans to remove the man by force.
Authorities say they know who the man is but won't release his name. They said he is not from Charleston and is believed to have planned his action. by CNB