Nation briefs 8/10/16

U.S. to give report on Baltimore police

BALTIMORE -- An official familiar with the Justice Department's investigation into whether the Baltimore police force had a pattern of violating citizens' rights said the federal government is preparing to announce its findings. The Justice Department's investigation was launched after the April 2015 death of Freddie Gray, whose neck was broken while he was handcuffed and shackled but left unrestrained in the back of a police van. The official, who was not authorized to discuss the matter and spoke on condition of anonymity, said the report is expected to be released today. A Justice Department spokesman did not return messages.

Armed man watched police for months

PORTLAND, Ore. -- A man who has spent months monitoring a Portland police precinct was arrested after worried officers found weapons and ammunition in his parked vehicle, the authorities said. Eric E. Crowl, 39, was charged Monday with attempted assault of a police officer, unlawful use of a weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm, Portland police Sgt. Pete Simpson said. According to Simpson, Crowl had been watching and filming officers at the precinct since April. "Due to heightened concerns about police ambush attacks after the recent incidents in Dallas, Texas, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, officers contacted Crowl, concerned about his actions," Simpson said. "As officers approached Crowl, ordering him to keep his hands up, he would raise and lower his hands and appeared to be reaching around inside his vehicle." When Crowl eventually got out, officers looking through the window of the SUV found what Simpson described as an arsenal. They seized a rifle, a 12-gauge shotgun, two 9 mm handguns, a loaded 100-round 5.56 mm magazine drum, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, handheld radios, camouflage clothing and camping gear including a sleeping bag, food, camping stove and lantern. Investigators searched Crowl's home after obtaining a warrant and found eight rifles, a shotgun and hundreds of rounds of ammunition, Simpson said.

Suspected meth lab found under Wal-Mart

AMHERST, N.Y. -- Authorities said they've discovered what they believe is a methamphetamine lab under the parking lot of a Wal-Mart store in western New York. Police in the town of Amherst said officers on routine patrol found chemicals and other items used to make meth in an underground culvert that runs below the parking lot in suburban Buffalo. Officers said the culvert is tall enough for a person to stand in. Police and fire crews on Monday removed several jars of suspected meth from a manhole that's accessible from the culvert. Authorities said they plan to look at the Wal-Mart store's surveillance video to see whether it shows people using the culvert. No arrests have been made.

-- From wire

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