Parents of Pentagon shooter warned authorities

By TRACIE CONE Associated Press Writer

HOLLISTER, Calif. (AP) - A law enforcement official says the parents of the man who opened fire in front of the Pentagon warned authorities their son was upset and might have a gun.

San Benito County Sheriff Curtis Hill told the AP the parents of John Patrick Bedell filed a missing persons report and were worried about his mental stability. After reading an e-mail from their son to an acquaintance, the parents told deputies they were worried that he had purchased a gun.

The parents had reported Bedell missing on Jan. 4, one day after a Texas Highway Patrol officer had stopped him for speeding and was told he was heading for the East Coast.

The 36-year-old Bedell returned to his parent's home on January 18 telling them "not to ask any questions" about where he had been.

His father Oscar Bedell told deputies his son then left. They did not know where he had gone.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

HOLLISTER, Calif. (AP) - A law enforcement official says the parents of the man who opened fire in front of the Pentagon warned authorities their son was upset and might have gun.

San Benito County Sheriff Curtis Hill told the AP the parents of John Patrick Bedell filed a missing persons report and were worried about his mental stability. After reading an e-mail from their son to an acquaintance, the parents told deputies they were worried that he had purchased a gun.

The parents had reported Bedell missing on Jan. 4, one day after a Texas Highway Patrol officer had stopped him for speeding and was told he was heading for the East Coast.

The 36-year-old Bedell returned to his parent's home on January 18 telling them "not to ask any questions" about where he had been.

His father Oscar Bedell told deputies his son then left. They did not know where he had gone.