What's true, false about the protester-occupied autonomous zone known as 'CHAZ'

Some tall tales are coming out of that “autonomous zone” on Capitol Hill that protesters now seem to control.

The trouble is that there is just enough truth in the stories being told to cast doubt on what's a lie.

What's real might be scary enough for some people but there are also dangerous exaggerations that have taken on a life of their own.

After Seattle police boarded up and abandoned the east precinct, a story started to spread that protesters with guns had broken in and were occupying the building. This is false.

However, armed citizens are patrolling the streets around the police station.

Washington is an open-carry state but police said there are limits.

“There is no legal right for those arms to be used to intimidate community members,” said Asst. Chief Deanna Nollette during a briefing outside of police department headquarters.

And the truth actually gets even worse.

“We have heard anecdotally reports of citizens and businesses being asked to pay a fee to operate within this area,” Nollette said. “This is the crime of extortion."

As for any police facilities being taken over at this point, that is false. But a KOMO News photographer did find barricades and other measures going up at the south police precinct, possibly as a pre-emptive measure.

Another misconception is that protesters speak with one voice, which is false.

“The collective believes in the diversity of tactics,” said protest organizer Dae Shik Kim Hawkins, Jr. “I think a lot of different coalitions and efforts are trying to achieve a very similar goal."

Police said they are reaching out to these leaders so they can move back into the east precinct without inciting more civil unrest.

“We are dedicated to working with peaceful protesters to figure out a way to move forward,” Nollette said.

There are still officers near the occupied area and Nollette said they are still responding to emergency calls.