Confusion and lack of information hampering probe, say officials

RELUCTANCE and difficulties in sharing information among the growing number of agencies investigating the serial sniper case, along with FBI problems handling thousands of phone tips are slowing and hampering the probe, according to law enforcement officials.

The investigation’s information-gathering effort is so unwieldy that even the suspected sniper failed in repeated efforts to get through to authorities over the weekend on a special telephone tip line that has been swamped with calls since the shootings began, FBI sources said.

Law enforcement officials across the region have repeatedly stressed the cooperative spirit of their joint task force. Nevertheless, from the street to the executive offices, they say they are struggling to get the information they need about everything from road closures to a profile of the sniper and theories about his motives.