Residents in the small Alabama town of Midland City do their best to remain optimistic about the fate of a five year old boy being held hostage in an underground bunker.
On Tuesday, a 65 year old Vietnam veteran stepped onto a school bus, shot and killed the driver, then disappeared into a bunker with a little boy named Ethan.
Signs and ribbons are posted all over the town.
Prayer groups and vigils give townspeople some respite- but the shock and horror of the situation is hard to dissipate.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) MIDLAND CITY RESIDENT, MICHELLE RILEY, SAYING:
"Words just can't describe how the whole community is feeling. I mean you just can't believe it. It's like a dream and you just want to wake up. I mean, it's horrible."
Police have identified the suspect as Jimmy Lee Dykes, but he has told police he prefers to be called Jim.
One official said he does have access to TV, which was clearly being considered as the sheriff spoke to media.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) DALE COUNTY SHERIFF WALLY OLSON SAYING:
"Mr. Dykes, through our communications, we have been able to, he's told us that he has electric heaters and some blankets inside, that he's taking care of him. He has also allowed us to provide coloring books, medication, toys. I want to thank him for taking care of our child. That is very important."
Funeral services for the bus driver who was killed will be held later on Sunday.
