Hostage taker has history of disputes with neighbors

MIDLAND CITY, Ala. — A man continues to hold a six-year-old boy hostage in an underground bunker in southeastern Alabama.

Neighbors said he has a history of disuptes with his neighbors.

"I'm not suprised at all," said Rhonda Wilbur. "I also am not surprised at all about the underground bunker. Because of the majority of the thime this man dug at all hours of the day and night. And he patrolled his property, which is right across the street from my yard, with a gun."

Neighbors have identified the suspect as Jimmy Lee Dykes and he was supposed to have a court appearance on Wednesday to answers charges.

Dykes allegedly shot a neighbor's dog during an argument in December.

"He killed one of my dogs and I had an animal cruelty people out then, and he has been a source of interest for a long time because he has been like a time bomb waiting to go off," said Rhonda Wilbur.

The standoff began Tuesday afternoon when police said Dykes shot and killed a school bus driver and took the six-year-old hostage.

Investigators are communicating with the suspect through a PVC pipe.

They have also gotten the boy necessary medications. The boy has a form of autism and ADHD.

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