The hunt for Steven Dale Branscome turned Floyd into an armed camp Tuesday with M-16 toting tactical team members wondering the streets like Marines on duty in Baghdad. You could find them eating breakfast at the Blue Ridge Restaurant, dressed in olive drab fatigues and wearing their 9-mm pistols in low-rider holsters.

Just before 6 p.m., they appeared in the parking lot of the Courthouse (above). Ready for action or calling it a day? Hard to tell but has anyone else noticed how much more militaristic looking police forces have become since 9/11? State Troopers now patrol in garb that looks more like a military uniform and most cops have haircuts that look like they just left Marine training at Paris Island.

Branscome is still at large. The State Trooper he shot returned to duty today.