US fugitive caught by police in Bahamas
Source: Agencies |
July 12, 2010, Monday
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A US teenager who allegedly stole cars, boats and airplanes to dodge US law enforcement for two years was finally captured on Sunday in the Bahamas, bringing an end to exploits that made the "Barefoot Bandit" a folk hero.
Colton Harris-Moore was arrested before dawn in northern Eleuthera, said Sergeant Chrislyn Skippings, a spokeswoman for the Royal Bahamas Police Force. A contingent of high-ranking officers traveled to the island to take the suspect to Nassau, the country's capital, where he faces possible extradition to the United States.
Island police had been searching for the wily 19-year-old thief since he allegedly crash-landed a stolen plane a week ago on nearby Great Abaco Island, where he was blamed for a string of at least seven break-ins.
Authorities caught Harris-Moore as he attempted to dock a boat at Harbour Island, a small tourist destination just off mainland Eleuthera, said a senior police official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the case. He said authorities had been watching the coastlines overnight.
Harris-Moore, who has been running from American law enforcement since escaping from a Washington state halfway house in 2008, gained fame and thousands of fans who admired his ability to evade arrest. He is suspected of stealing cars, boats and at least five planes - including the aircraft he allegedly lifted in Indiana and flew more than 1,600 kilometers to the islands off Florida's coast, despite a lack of formal flight training.
The teen is a skilled outdoorsman who honed his abilities growing up in the woods of Camano Island in Puget Sound about 50 kilometers north of Seattle.
Island police picked up his trail in Eleuthera after recovering a 13-meter power boat stolen from a marina on Abaco.
Harris-Moore's mother, Pam Kohler, has said that he had a troubled childhood. His first conviction, for possession of stolen property, came at age 12. Within a few months of turning 13, he had three more. He was dubbed the "Barefoot Bandit" for allegedly going shoeless during some crimes.
Colton Harris-Moore was arrested before dawn in northern Eleuthera, said Sergeant Chrislyn Skippings, a spokeswoman for the Royal Bahamas Police Force. A contingent of high-ranking officers traveled to the island to take the suspect to Nassau, the country's capital, where he faces possible extradition to the United States.
Island police had been searching for the wily 19-year-old thief since he allegedly crash-landed a stolen plane a week ago on nearby Great Abaco Island, where he was blamed for a string of at least seven break-ins.
Authorities caught Harris-Moore as he attempted to dock a boat at Harbour Island, a small tourist destination just off mainland Eleuthera, said a senior police official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the case. He said authorities had been watching the coastlines overnight.
Harris-Moore, who has been running from American law enforcement since escaping from a Washington state halfway house in 2008, gained fame and thousands of fans who admired his ability to evade arrest. He is suspected of stealing cars, boats and at least five planes - including the aircraft he allegedly lifted in Indiana and flew more than 1,600 kilometers to the islands off Florida's coast, despite a lack of formal flight training.
The teen is a skilled outdoorsman who honed his abilities growing up in the woods of Camano Island in Puget Sound about 50 kilometers north of Seattle.
Island police picked up his trail in Eleuthera after recovering a 13-meter power boat stolen from a marina on Abaco.
Harris-Moore's mother, Pam Kohler, has said that he had a troubled childhood. His first conviction, for possession of stolen property, came at age 12. Within a few months of turning 13, he had three more. He was dubbed the "Barefoot Bandit" for allegedly going shoeless during some crimes.
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