A man who forced authorities to shut down parts of the National Mall because of his suspiciously parked trailer has pleaded guilty to unregistered weapons charges related to the incident.
James Patock, 66, was in D.C. Superior Court Monday afternoon. Back on November 3, U.S. Park Police arrested him near the National Mall. According to the government’s evidence report: officers went to check out Patock’s suspicious trailer parked in front of the Air and Space Center. Fearing the possibility that the trailer contained explosives, officers shut down surrounding streets.
Although no explosives were found, officers said they did find a number of firearms in Patock’s trailer, including a revolver and two rifles and ammunition.
U.S. Park police said Patock did not have a license to carry the pistol in the District of
Columbia and his firearms were not registered in D.C.
Patock told police he had been living in the trailer while in town. He formerly lived in Arizona.
Patock pleaded guilty to one count each of attempted carrying a pistol without a license
and possession of an unregistered firearm. A judge scheduled sentencing for January 14, 2011.
