My Fox Tampa Bay- by Josh Cascio
VALRICO (FOX 13) – The FBI is hoping you can help them track down a Valrico man who fled from agents this morning.
According to the agency, Martin Howard Winters sped away from FBI agents when they approached him for questioning around 8:40 a.m. They believe he then abandoned his car and fled on foot.
Nearby Durant High School was on lockdown as a precaution while law enforcement searched for him, but he was never found.
Valrico’s Martin Winters is not your average neighbor.
“Marty is a good guy. He has views that are different from other people,” said Vincent Bernard, who rents from Winters.
He’s a doomsday prepper, according to the FBI, he leads the “River Otter Preppers.”
Officials say they’re preparing for an end-of-days event.
“He loves God I know that he reads a lot of Book of Revelations,” said Bernard.
According to federal search warrants,Winters and several followers have been stock piling weapons, food and arms around his property and the beyond.
The FBI also says Winters was building illegal booby-trap devices including some that could shoot shot gun shells, all in an effort to make a last stand and even repel the government.
Some of these folks are felons who aren’t even allowed to have guns.
“Talking about ideas and philosophy that’s okay, not a problem, but when people break the law to carry out those philosophies, that’s when we step in,” said Dave Couvertier with the FBI.
Agents tried arresting Winters early Monday near Dover Road, but they say he took off on them.
The FBI considers him armed and dangerous, but folks who rent from him feel otherwise.
“He’s a good guy. He puts out produce every week for the people in need,” said Casey Kendall. “He’s tremendously helped us out.”
Casey’s husband is one of several members facing charges.
Winters allegedly told the FBI he’s spent 200 grand on his preps. Officials say he even told an undercover agent, if the government gives him enough time “it’ll be worse than WACO.” And “Quote kill them all.”
http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/story/25788634/man-flees-from-fbi-%20prompting-lockdown
Hmmm….,has some food supplies/ammo and guns/,what is he being charged with crime wise,were actually booby traps found on his PRIVATE property?I would guess if they were would be in article and fib reports,another reason to have your property under surveillance, being able to refute any lies ect.Others breaking the law,well,were are the arrests ,though will say still reading the bill of rights and see no exceptions to the 2nd amendment,I am still looking for the decoder ring the govt. uses to find those exceptions in the 2nd and other rights.
Come on Marty, Ya gotta leave the gestapo on its back or they will keep chasing you. Next time shoot the f-in n!ggers when they MAKE CONTACT.