Fisherman Threatens ‘Another Ruby Ridge’

After a daylong standoff, the Coast Guard backed away from trying to board the boat of a defiant fisherman who claimed the routine safety inspection would be a violation of his constitutional rights.

“I just want to be left alone and have them stay out of my face,” Jim Blaes told reporters in a cellular telephone call Monday.

Vowing there wouldn’t be “another Ruby Ridge,” Blaes said he had 1,000 gallons of fuel and was prepared to stay at sea for at least four days. He remained adrift Tuesday.

The Coast Guard decided Monday to not take action against Blaes and to turn the case over to the Justice Department.