Calif. man arrested near Capitol with guns

WASHINGTON, March 11 (UPI) -- A California man was in custody after police allegedly found two rifles, three handguns and a sword in his vehicle near the U.S. Capitol, officials say.

Timothy Whitfield, 49, was detained Tuesday and charged with numerous weapons law violations by U.S. Capitol Police in Washington after asking an officer for directions, WTTG-TV, Washington, reported.

U.S. Capitol Police spokeswoman Kimberly Schneider told reporters Whitfield acted suspiciously when speaking to an officer, who summoned assistance from the Capitol Police hazardous device unit. Once it was determined Whitfield's Pontiac sports utility vehicle held no hazardous materials, officers searched it and found the weapons, Schneider told WTTG.

The incident is that latest in a series of similar weapons arrests near the Capitol in recent months. In February, a Louisiana man was arrested at the North Capitol gate after being found with a loaded rifle. And in September, Christopher Timmons, who had also asked Capitol Police for directions, was found to have a grenade and an AK-47 assault rifle in his car, the television station said.