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Noose Hanging From Service Truck

By Tiffany Craig Investigative Reporter

Published: Mon, September 24, 2007 - 5:33 pm Last Updated: Mon, September 24, 2007 - 6:28 pm

Short URL: http://wkrg.com/a/5424/

Tiffany Craig

Ray Rigsby took his camera. He knew that Jena, Louisiana would offer lots of memories. "I wanted to capture these things and bring it back. At the same time, it's what I tell my grandkids." But a mid-trip tire change would offer another picture. A service truck showed up to help with a noose dangling on the back. "I took a look and I said I see it but I don't believe it. That's when I reached in my pocket cuz I had my camera on me and snapped it."

The truck came from the Tiger Truck Stop Inc in Grosse Tete, Louisiana. Gary Dotch, a military vet, says he was sickened by the sight. 'It means that man cares absolutely nothing about me the service that I have done for him and the country. It doesn't mean anything to him because my skin is black." Outraged, both men contacted the press and wanted to share their experience.

With help from the picture, News 5's Tiffany Craig found the truck driver. He says his name is David but wouldn't give his last name. He says it's only four inches long and was a prank between friends. "It's been there for 2 and a half years and it was a joke. It was a joke between me and a friend of mine. We've been playing jokes on each other for about 3 years now." He says his wife made him take it off Thursday night after watching coverage from Jena.

No one from the trip in Mobile is laughing. They say it's a chapter from the past that no one should have to see again.

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They went to Jena, Louisiana last week to march for what's being described as racial intolerance. Little did some Mobile supporters know that they would make headlines a few days later.

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billyg251 Says:

Tue, Sep 25, 2007 at 6:23 am

A NOOSE WOULD NOT BE ISSUE IF IT WAS NOT MADE AN ISSUE

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MeAmerican Says:

Tue, Sep 25, 2007 at 6:19 am

Spoken like a true Patriot, Lindie! Another angry liberal who feels it’s their duty to cast aspersions on those with which they disagree. And to do it in such a shallow and insulting way is so very sad. Despite the fact you’re so mean, God bless you and have a wonderful day!!!

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Lindie Says:

Mon, Sep 24, 2007 at 10:25 pm

And your name says it all “liberal america” Another clueless liberal unable to read the facts. Get a clue.

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Sexy Beast Says:

Mon, Sep 24, 2007 at 10:21 pm

Actually, this is REALLY stupid of Lindie and MeAmerican to get on this and post idiotic comments…you guy’s need to get a life!!

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southernpride7 Says:

Mon, Sep 24, 2007 at 8:46 pm

i agree. the man did admit he took it down after his wife heard about “Jena 6” I dont know about alot of people, but I really just heard bits and pieces of what is going on with that. Maybe they dont watch CNN or Nancy Grace 24/7 like some people do.

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MeAmerican Says:

Mon, Sep 24, 2007 at 6:51 pm

Good call Lindie. Without a doubt these comments will be deleted. That’s the way they do things!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Lindie Says:

Mon, Sep 24, 2007 at 6:49 pm

Actually, this is REALLY wkrg continuing to stir the pot.

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1mommab Says:

Mon, Sep 24, 2007 at 6:09 pm

WHEN R PEOPLE GOING TO STOP. GOD PUT US HERE AND NOTHING IS GOING TO CHANGE THE FACT. SO WE SHOULD DO THE RIGHT THING AS CHRISTIANS. IS TO GET ALONG WITH EVERYONE AND U FIND THAT LIFE GOES BETTER. PRAY BIG TIME FOR ALL THAT WHAT TO KEEP BEING CANT THINK OF THE RIGHT WORD. BUT LETS GET ALONG.

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