Scientologists try to prevent man's leaving

They said William B. Wilson, 69, a businessman from Midland, Texas, left in the taxi minutes after police responded to a complaint at the church's headquarters at 210 S Fort Harrison Ave.

Wilson does not want criminal charges filed in the incident, according o Lt. Terry Byrd. And a church spokesman has labeled the incident a "misunderstanding."

Wilson could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

Pinellas County Commissioner Gabe Cazares said Wednesday that he wants the Pinellas Pasco state attorney's office to investigate the incident. Cazares said he was particularly upset because of Wilson's age.

STATE ATTORNEY James T. Russell said Wednesday he hadn't heard about the incident. When a reporter explained what had happened, Russell said he wanted to hear more to determine whether to investigate.

"I would be interested, frankly," in hearing more details, Russell said.

Police did not say who called them to the scene of the 4 p.m. incident, but they gave this account:

Officers arrived at the church's garage to find the path of a Clearwater Yellow taxi blocked by a car, which was driven by Henry C. Billings. Billings, 64, who is staying at the church, told officers he blocked the cab at the instruction of a "Mr. Alexander." A church spokesman later identified Rick Alexander as the church supervisor who was involved in the incident.

Police said a small pickup truck also was used to block the cab. However, the pickup truck left before police could question the occupants.

WILSON WAS NOT in the cab when police arrived. He was found outside the garage sitting with another person who lives at the church.

Wilson asked the man he was sitting with if he could leave and the man said he could, police said. Officers asked Wilson if he wanted to leave and he replied yes, according to a police report.

Wilson told police he did not want to file a complaint regarding the incident. After giving officers his name, Wilson entered the cab to be taken to Tampa International Airport.

Church spokesman Hugh Wilhere said Wilson is a frequent visitor, to the church. He said the incident Monday concerns a "personal" dispute between Wilson and Alexander.

"It's a matter of (Wilson's) privacy, and I don't want to violate it," Wilhere said Wednesday.

Wilson did not return a reporter's telephone messages left at his Texas home and business Wednesday.

"He'll be back," Wilhere said. "He's been coming down here for years."