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Subscribe to RSSHarri Anne Smith, a state senator in Alabama, has been in close contact with five-year-old Ethan's family since he was taken hostage last week. She said there are "lots of smiles" now that he's been freed and former FBI hostage negotiator Clint Van Zandt discusses the details of the case.
An Alabama boy is set for the "greatest" birthday of his life after being freed from a week's captivity in an underground bunker, a pastor said Tuesday.
The boy, snatched from a school bus in a fatal shooting, was rescued after a daring raid by FBI agents that left his kidnapper, Jimmy Lee Dykes, dead.
The 5-year-old, who is recovering in hospital, turns 6 on Wednesday.
“I would image it’s going to be the greatest birthday that family and that little boy has ever experienced and probably will ever experience,” local pastor Michael Senn told TODAY.
The boy was reunited with his mother and is "laughing, joking, playing, eating," said Special Agent in Charge Stephen Richardson at a press briefing Monday.
"He's very brave, he's very lucky. His success story is that he got out and he's doing great."
Richardson said the operation began when Dykes was seen holding a gun. "At this point, FBI agents, fearing the child was in imminent danger, entered the bunker and rescued the child.”
The Dothan Eagle newspaper reported that two loud blasts came from the scene shortly before 3:30 p.m. According to the report, an ambulance then drove up the private dirt road where Dykes’ homes is located and then left a short time later.
The blast apparently came from a "diversionary device," an FBI source confirmed to NBC News. FBI officers had lowered a camera into the bunker -- they would not reveal how, saying they may want to use the method in the future -- which allowed them to determine when to throw in the flash-bang to distract Dykes.That's when they entered through a door at the top of the bunker.
At the Monday night press briefing, Dale County Sheriff Wally Olson said that Dykes, 65, was harmed when officers entered the bunker but he would not say how the captor died. A law enforcement official told NBC News they are waiting for the medical examiner's report to determine how he died.
Related: Official says boy is his 'lovely' self after rescue
The ordeal began at 3:30 p.m. CT last Tuesday when Dykes -- described by his neighbors as a paranoid survivalist -- grabbed the boy from a school bus in Midland City, Ala.
Dykes boarded the bus and demanded that the bus driver, Charles Poland, 66, turn over two young children. When Poland refused, Dykes fatally shot him and took the boy.
Dykes, a decorated Vietnam veteran, took Ethan to an underground bunker that neighbors had seen him digging. The bunker is believed to be roughly 8 feet by 6 feet and to be stocked with supplies. The bunker has a ventilation pipe that authorities used to deliver items. Authorities have not said how long they believe Dykes could have lasted underground, or discussed a motive for the kidnapping.
After a six-day standoff, a federal hostage team stormed an underground bunker in Alabama, where Jimmy Lee Dykes, 65, was holding five-year-old Ethan hostage. Ethan was freed safely, while Dykes was found dead. NBC's Gabe Gutierrez reports, and Dale County Sheriff Wally Olson and former FBI hostage negotiator Clint van Zandt discuss the case.
Over the last week, hostage negotiators delivered a red Hot Wheels car, Cheez-Its crackers and other food and medicine to the boy, who has a mild form of autism. The FBI said Sunday that the boy’s captor “continues to make the environment as comfortable as possible for the child.”
The boy has Asperger’s syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, a state representative said last week.
Law enforcement officials remained largely mum about the details of the case, possibly because it was believed that Dykes kept a television set in the bunker. Early on in the negotiations, they moved reporters farther from the scene. Throughout the week, they canceled press conferences, saying that nothing had changed.
Many of the law enforcement press conferences appeared to have been directed more at Dykes than at reporters. Sheriff Olson went so far as to thank Dykes “for taking care of our child.”
“That’s very important,” Olson said.
Before the standoff ended on Monday, Olson told reporters that Dykes "feels like he has a story that’s important to him. ... Although it’s very complex, we’re trying to make a safe environment.”
At the Monday night press briefing, Olson would not say what that story was, repeating that the investigation was ongoing and that the crime scene still needed to be processed. But he was passionate -- and willing to discuss -- Ethan.
"This boy is a very special child. He's been through and endured a lot and by the grace of God, he's OK," Olson said. "That was the mission of every man and woman on this compound. Of every law enforcement officer, every first responder, and all of the community who prayed to bring him home safely."
Former FBI hostage negotiator Clint Van Zandt said on the TODAY show that patience is key in hostage situations.
“Eighty-five percent or more of standoff situations like this end nonviolently,” Van Zandt said on Saturday. “Law enforcement doesn’t want to do anything precipitously that could cause anybody to be hurt at this time when the talking cure will likely work in this situation.”
Following the end of the hostage situation, Alabama Gov. Robert J. Bentley released a statement, hailing the efforts to save the boy but mourning the death of the bus driver:
"I am thankful that the child who was abducted is now safe. I am so happy this little boy can now be reunited with his family and friends. We will all continue to pray for the little boy and his family as they recover from the trauma of the last several days."
President Barack Obama also weighed in, calling FBI Director Robert Mueller to compliment his officers.
NBC's Gabe Gutierrez, Erin McClam, Matthew DeLuca, Jeff Black and Pete Williams contributed reporting.
Related:
Son says bus driver in Alabama hostage crisis gave life for 'his children'
Sheriff to Alabama hostage-taker: 'I want to thank him for taking care of our child'
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What has this nutjob asked for? Usually hostages are taken as some kind of negotiating chip. The kid isn't there just to keep the cops at bay due to the murder, because he killed the bus driver specifically so he could take the kid.
The FBI Needs to dig ahole as quitely as they can and pipe a gas in there to put them sleep colorless odorless and tasteless that would be their best
Mary, you seem like an expert. What kind of gas? Will it harm the kid? How quick does it work? Why are you here on this board. You need to be right there on the scene as an adviser. Your vast knowledge of hostage situations and gas needs to be put to use.
Mary...The only colorless, tasteless, and odorless gas is CO....Carbon Monoxide...Which would eventually kill them both....Once you have passed out from it, it is only a matter of a few minutes before you die. I speak from experience, as years ago, I almost sucummbed to it....Thank God I was found in time....And when you are about to pass out from it, as I remember just before I did, it is the most wierdest and sickest feeling you could experience...Would not wish that on anyone....
Tinbashr The only colorless, tasteless, and odorless gas is CO
Many gases are tasteless colorless and odorless.....Oxygen for instance? Ever blow up a balloon with helium?
Madness@31.3 Sorry if I did not make my self clear....I was refering to a gas that would render you unconscious, as the above post was trying to suggest...My bad...
No prob......didnt mean to come out snarky......glad you survived your co2 scare..can kill quick.
And then there's the Stockholm syndrome to watch for. After 7 days, it probably has started and that's dangerous. And it can happen at this boy age.
Pat, why is Stockholm syndrome dangerous? Please explain?
Look it up, Madness. While you're at it, review the Patty Hearst case. It's a fascinating education in and of itself about the syndrome. Ms Hearst spent years in prison before her attorneys freed her on bringing up the Stockholm syndrome and how it affected her during her kidnapping by the Symbionese (sp?) Liberation Army.
11madness - seriously, you need this explained to you?
The authorities are hoping for the Stockholm syndrome to take effect. It is a coping mechanism for the person being held. It also affects the captors to an extent. The authorities are hoping that captor/captive have a bond...even if dysfunctional, it could prevent the captor from harming the child.
It could cause the captive to not want the captor to be hurt. Hurst situation is totally different. She was an adult....do you thing the 5 year old is going to pick up a gun and shoot the police?
Would the news media please print the truth for a change? This sick clown IS NOT a Vietnam Veteran. He is a Vietnam Era veteran who was in the Navy stationed in Japan. He most likely never set foot in Vietnam. And a good conduct ribbon does not make him a decorated veteran. I know this may come as a shock to the liber media contingency, but not all Vietnam Veterans are sick and deranged!
Gary....I agree with you. Most veterans (of Vietnam and other) get out of the service and live their lives. Their 2-4 year military experience does not define them.
We seem to immediately tie crazy behavior to military experience. Silliness.
Thank you!
Gary, I think could accurately refer to him as a "Vietnam era veteran".
Gary, I agree.
Newsflash: My husband is one of the last 300 Vietnam Vets. He never set a toe in Vietnam. All that means is that when he joined the Navy the conflict was still ongoing and he could have been sent over at any point during his training.
It's an official designation. What it means is that one served during that era and one is due the benefits Vietnam Veterans earned.
Peridot.......
Newsflash: Last 300? There are tens of thousand of Vietnam vets remaining. Laughable. Vietnam ended in 1973. Those veterans, tens of thousands of them, are only in their early to mid sixties in age.
Please speak on "last 300"
Here is a case of a mental health issue. Why is this guy walking the street? I have not seen and mention if he had a prior criminal record? He is one that passed through the nutnet for sure. I hope the child is released soon. What happens after that to this goof I don't care.
People are arrested and then tried and convicted (in that order) for their illegal actions. They are not arrested for acting strange. If you could put someone in jail for acting strange then George W. Bush would have been locked up long ago.
really ? .... you weirdo ya want to bring up bush in this ? boy ..you are really full of it he's been out of the limelight for over 4 years and you bring him up in the middle of THIS situation , madness is a good name for you and nobody should take you seriously . and i realize that this was just said as a joke but it's not based in any reality .... a more realisic satement would be impeach obama for high crimes and misdemeanors .... ya plenty of evidence for that anyway
i think if they get about a thousand more cops there he just mite come out
PLEASE let this baby go! As a mother of adult children, I cannot IMAGINE how freaked out the parents are, let alone that sweet lil adorable baby boy .....WHO DOES CRAZY @!$%# like this? Please dont do anything until this guy releases the child - if hes crazy enough to abduct an innocent child, and kill someone, hes desperate enough to do ANYTHING! My prayers are with the lil young man and his family!
I pray to God that he isnt violating this child as well ......... And someone PLEASE GET THE KID A RED CAR
There are probably thousands of people just like this. Some go off the deep end and others never. That's why its People and not the guns that are the problem. Guns are here and millions have them. Who will make the decision on who has the right to own a gun or not? Since criminals and gang members already have guns and get them any time they want, what are more laws going to do for that problem? The over all problem are the millions of people that have hatred, bigotry and commit crimes just because they can. This in no way will solve the gang problems in Chicago and elsewhere. Being tough on crime might be a start towards a better place to live in. Hopefully this stand off with the little boy will end with him being released unharmed. The old man is absolutely mentally unstable. All the warning signs were there according to his neighbors but of course the Law will do nothing about it until he does something like this.
Pretty soon it could be very stinky in his bunker- how is he solving fecal problems? This has got to make him come out... Attorney General should offer him immunity with mandatory mental treatment. He is obviously deranged- save taxpayers some money on prosecution, save the kid. Feel really bad for the courageous bus driver, but killing the perp does not make him comeback. It is just another, now human toll of all the wars our country participates...
Physical and mental health for the perp and child will be issue sooner or later. This is a terrible situation.
Dude's probably watching and reading all these comments and getting more and more paranoid by the minute. YES...they are coming for you...NO...you won't get away...and you're name has a change to yet be somewhat salvaged rather than going down as a complete rat-ba$tard coward. Get some gonads. Give up the kid.
You seem a little angry yourself.....You are not in a bunker right now are you?
I have a 5 yr. old. I can imagine the terror the boy feels. I can only hope for his freedom. Bad, sad man.
I have a 6 year old. My guess is that the little boy is not in a state of terror if the perp is treating him nicely. Little kids have a way of living in the present and adapting.
I do not think that the kidnapped boy in this situation is "terrified" every second. He was at first, but now adjusting.The kids are pretty resilient and accept their reality as the one and only, that is way some child molesters can get away with horrible things they do - kids are "adjusting/tolerating" it for a while. The same way are the kids of abusing parents, kids on the streets, etc. While adult would try to run away, let someone know, try to change the situation by protesting- young children will not. That is why we have strict laws in place to protect those who can not protect themselvesIt does not look look like he is mean to the child so far, hope he will bond with the child enough to let him go to his Mom.
I partially agree with you. Remember, 1st there was terror, screaming and blood. Somewhat in that order (referencing you from above in how things happen in order). But if your 2nd sentence holds true, then "Stockholm Syndrome" might start kicking in. (google syndrome) But I bet you the little boy knows that this man is not the one he should be with. As a little kid I would have kept quiet and sat still had someone adult told me to do so. The man is the boss and the boy can do nothing so yes he may be adapting but it does not mean he was not terrorized and that he is not frightened.
At this point I hope there is a bond just enough for the man to feel some compassion and hopefully let the boy go. You guys are right with adjusting and other kids having to live with mean crappy parents who deal with it. But we all know that ther is nothing like holding mommy's hand. He has to miss his mom. He could not have forgotten so soon. Or his family members.
Pulitzer Prize winner, Pearl Buck, describes a situation, during the Boxer Rebellion in China, when she, her husband and children and other westerners with children were held hostage for some days while others negotiated their release. Eventually, they were released. All of the children had behaved perfectly during the standoff, but as soon as they were free, all the children started acting up.
The focus should be on the safty of the child ... I hope for his safe liberation from the captivity. I see a lot of posts about rush and glen and gun control .... What is wrong with you people ? do you really think ANYONE has political views that are equal to this mess ? just trying to associate a radio personality with this makes ya look like a fool . and the use of another tragedy to futher a viewpoint is as despicable as it gets, the lopsided news does enough of that allready . i hope the best for the kid the rest of the chatter is just hot air
Gun control and mental health are both involved in this situation. You are assuming that because someone posts an opinion about gun control then they do not care about the safety of the child. Get off your high horse, please.
no high horse here , i didn't say anything about mental health , and these issues are relevant for disscusion in todays forums but inappropriately makeing ties to others is stupid . and I do not assume anything about other people , you assume i had a horse ,, but i sold it a long time ago all that is left is what you are shoveling
He's gotta sleep some time....
My heart goes out to the boys family waiting for this to all end. My little girl is almost 5 and I look at her and think of this little tiny little man in there with a monster and how scared he must be. It breaks my heart seeing what is happening to our children and how so many are being harmed or killed. My little one starts school soon and has to ride a bus 13 miles to and from school. I am scared for her to be on a bus and let alone even a school now. I know I will be taking her to school and hope I can afford the gas to do this as to take the worry of the bus ride away. These monsters have to be punished. I hope this monster lets this boy go safe soon, Prayers for him and other children around the world
Why don't they just put strychnnine in the redneck's moonshine and be done with it?
Why don't you just put hemlock in your kool-ade? Your attempt at humor is pathetic!
People ask about sleeping gas.
Not a good idea because
1) if he realizes there's gas, he might shoot the child
2) a dose high enough to knock out a man might kill a child (remember when the russians tried it and the gas killed over 100 hostages?)
3) The bunker is almost certainly booby trapped. This would be why they haven't gone in while the suspect was sleeping. Any attempt to gain entry by force will probably result in the death of the child.
The only remaining option is to convince the nutjob to voluntarily disable his traps and release the child.
Thanks for some much needed sanity! Things have gotten a little crazy here.
I still have hopes for a good outcome this child is in a terrible situation, but it COULD be worse. Looking over the posts and comments here It seems that we have more nut cases here than in that bunker The people who are negotiating with this kook are proffessionals this is what they do I'm satisfied that whatever the outcome is that they did everything that could be done. Hopefully they wont get frustrated and creat another Ruby Ridge or Waco.
BTW saying a prayer can't hurt, let's all give it a try.
I wouldn't say nut cases. Just wild people with wild opinions. BTW, thanks for reminding people to pray.
You do realize that if this standoff runs on and on and ends up with this child dead that the "nut cases" will have been right, and all you "doing anything would be crazy" people are the actual nut cases.
"If" they try an incursion and entrance is booby trapped, there will be more death than not.
Speculation and "if" serve little purpose here.
Where do these 2 go to the bathroom down in that bunker?
dig the whole thing out, put it on a flat bed truck and plop it in the police parking lot until he comes out.
@bckcntry...They already have Police on the scene now...I don't mean to seem unsympathetic....But what good would that do?....Police on the scene now, and then Police on the scene then....Sorry, but I don't see how it would make a difference....
They'd better get that kid out of there alive and well.
Or there's going to be a war on the "crazies".
Jimmy Lee Dykes is one of the scummiest people in the history of scum.
He's got a 5 year old boy as his hostage. What a piece of work!
Everyday I log on hoping to see that his has ended with the boy being unharmed (physically) by this guy and returned to his family.
I feel for his parents.
This the result of the NRA and repubs beating the drum to they're going to take your guns, they're going to take your guns, they're going to take your guns. They push the people like this guy that is on the ledge on over. People like him are all over building bunkers and getting ready for what they're not exactly sure but thanks to the gun nuts it doesn't take much to lose it. They will all look like the fools they are in 2016 and we all still have our guns and the world is still turning.
What you say is mostly true, too bad the kid has to suffer because this guy got all riled up about "losing freedoms." No joke intended but have they tried to get one of the radio hosts he listens to to talk with him? It would probably go a long way if he heard one of his guys tell him to let the child go.
gramgigi, liberal retards like you must live miserable lives to dream up the sh*t you come up with. The result of the NRA and repubs? Giffords was shot by a wacko registered Democrat. If you think only NRA members and "gun nuts" are only Republicans you need a reality check moron.
Sure hope the kid gets out alive. Even if he does, he will never get over it.
The boy is in on it somehow.
Joe, that's how he's being treated. So you may be right.
The boy is the mastermind....in THAT bunker he is obviously the most intelligent. :)
Something is really wrong with you Joe! Your photo says it ALL!
I call them like I see them. And I think the boy is a willing participant.
Well if that's the case Joe....he had no CHOICE now did he? Same scenario if someone held a gun on YOU....doesn't take a rocket scientist now does it Joe? SMH!! Your initial statement was stupid to begin with!
Hang in there little guy. Prayers for you and your family.