Los Angeles Auto Theft Probe Reveals Stashes of Weapons, Ammo, Jet Fuel

Thursday, June 5, 2003
By Robert Jablon
Associated Press Writer

"He was definitely planning on targeting a structure, location, individuals, and would have created significant damage. We have not been able to identify a target ... He put together everything that was needed to cause severe destruction."

MONTEREY PARK, Ca. -- AP
Authorities revealed Wednesday that they have been investigating a now-imprisoned man who allegedly collected semiautomatic assault weapons, ammunition, pipe bombs and jet fuel and appeared to be planning to attack an unknown building.

There have been no charges filed involving the materials but the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms is investigating, Los Angeles County sheriff's officials told a headquarters press conference. Calls seeking comment from the ATF and FBI were not immediately returned.

The man, John Noster, 38, is currently in prison for vehicle theft and has refused to talk to investigators, sheriff's Sgt. John Demooy said.

Noster had been traveling back and forth across the country in a pickup with a camper shell after being fired in November 2001 from a Los Angeles sporting goods firm where he worked in accounts payable, officials said.

The existence of the probe was revealed in the unusual circumstance of announcing commendations for members of a regional auto theft investigations team that discovered the materials.
(More: The Mercury News)
http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/6012925.htm
2003 © The Associated Press.

Dan