local rumor

[DrPizza]

Local rumor: at a dollar general or some such place locally (right next to the interstate off-ramp), some "middle-eastern looking" man purchased 4 cell phones. (those pre-paid ones, whatever they're called.) He acted weird in the store. Clerk was suspicious, called police, had license plate, etc. Car was later pulled over on the interstate with several men in
it; they had 60 cell phones in it.

Happened a week ago. I'd have just thought the story was hogwash, except that when we drove by the place, there were state police there. (not much goes on in this community; a stolen dirt bike is worthy of a state police investigation, as that's a "major" crime in this area)

 

[Spacehead]

Local news/TV reporter? Might have contacts with police.

If there's any suspicion of "middle-eastern looking" then it's probably being handled by FBI/Homeland Security.

 

[DrPizza]

There's been no mention in the local news lately; it's been over a week. Like I said, I'd have rather had a way to show the story was shens, but the police presence on one of the days in question lends a bit of credibility to the story.

(incidentally, from the person who told me, "and you know that the only reason to have that many cell phones would be to make remote detonators for bombs." My reply: "well, either that, or perhaps they had to make a lot of phone calls and were tired of people spying on every word they said."

 

[alien42]

you should be able to get all police reports online for free. i check the local crimes from my zone on occasion.

 

[Hyperlite]

just out of curiosity, where was this?

 

[pontifex]

something like that happened a few months ago as well. don't remember where though.

 

[homercles337]

OMG! Dem terrasits be at it again! Quick, to the under bed hiding area!

 

[doze]

Wow, you must live in a small town if this is the big news of the week.

Although I'm not sure why buying a bunch of cellphones would be suspicious though. There are plenty of different ways to communicate now.

 

[chrisms]

How the hell should I know?

 

[KaChow]

Originally posted by: pontifex
something like that happened a few months ago as well. don't remember where though.

This happened not that long ago with some guys that, IIRC, were from Michigan and were buying phones in Texas(???) It turned out to be legit - they would go buy all the pre-paid phones they could find with a good deal and then re-sell them.