The administration needs to continue to assure fearful residents.

"You may jeopardize this very critical investigation," the chief contended as the manhunt continued into its 12th day with residents fearful of the sniper's next move.

The attack itself was brazenly cruel, even by the dizzying standards of violence that have left residents both fearful and jaded.

"Tear it down," demanded one fearful resident of the Brentwood neighborhood, urging an option that officials say would likely spread anthrax-laden dust across the city.

The effort offered small comfort to residents openly fearful that the sniper was back stalking their area and was hardly done.

Tremors and aftershocks felt in recent days have regularly sent fearful residents scurrying outside those homes that are still standing.

But looters calmly plundered a sugar warehouse and fearful residents stood guard outside their homes.

It quickly drew the ire of local residents fearful of noise levels and the environmental effects on Lynde Creek.

Displaced and fearful residents remained in large communal tents on Wednesday, while cold rain fell intermittently.

Some fearful residents have been known to refuse to pull over when flagged down by real police officers.