He finally got caught

Summary

The story of Colton, known as the 'Barefoot Bandit,' details the tumultuous life of a troubled teenager who, after a difficult childhood marked by neglect, turns to a life of crime. Living in the woods of Washington, he initially survives by stealing food, but his escapades escalate to stealing cars and planes. Despite being sentenced to juvenile detention, Colton escapes and continues his criminal activities, eventually gaining notoriety and a fanbase. His audacious thefts culminate in a chaotic journey to the Bahamas, leading to his capture. Now out of prison, Colton works a regular job, leaving behind his wild past.

Takeaways

• 😀 Colton is a 12-year-old boy living in a trailer on an island in Washington, raised by a neglectful mother who is an addict.
• 😞 His challenging upbringing leads him to commit crimes, starting with stealing food and supplies to survive.
• 🏃‍♂️ After evading the police for several months, he hides in the woods and breaks into vacation homes for food and camping supplies.
• 🚨 Colton becomes known as the 'Barefoot Bandit' due to his habit of committing crimes without shoes.
• ✈️ His ambition to become a pilot drives him to steal planes despite having no formal training.
• 📸 Colton's story gains media attention, and he becomes a folk hero, with fans creating merchandise and songs about him.
• 🏝️ He eventually escapes to the Bahamas after stealing a plane and faces a police chase on the water.
• 🔫 After being recognized by locals, he is arrested during a dramatic boat chase, leading to his capture by authorities.
• 📅 Colton is sentenced to 6.5 years in prison, but he sells the movie rights to his life story for $1.3 million.
• 🔄 After serving his time, Colton works a regular job, reflecting on his tumultuous past and the consequences of his actions.

Q & A

What circumstances led Colton to a life of crime?

Colton grew up in a dysfunctional environment with a drug-addicted father and an alcoholic mother. He faced neglect and abuse, leading him to fend for himself from a young age.

How did Colton manage to evade the police for so long?

Colton utilized his knowledge of the woods, breaking into vacation homes, stealing food and supplies, and often staying barefoot to avoid detection. His ability to steal vehicles and evade capture also contributed to his long evasion.

What unique title did Colton earn during his criminal activities?

Colton became known as the 'Barefoot Bandit' due to his tendency to commit crimes without shoes, which became a notable aspect of his story.

How did Colton acquire his flying skills?

Colton learned about flying through reading piloting manuals and watching instructional videos on a stolen laptop, enabling him to steal and fly planes despite having no formal training.

What were some of the aircraft thefts committed by Colton?

Colton stole several planes, including a single propeller plane that he managed to get airborne for 3.5 hours and a Cessna 400, which he flew 1,200 miles from Indiana to the Bahamas.

How did Colton's notoriety affect his situation?

Colton's growing fame as the Barefoot Bandit led to increased media attention and a nationwide manhunt, making it harder for him to remain hidden as people recognized him.

What ultimately led to Colton's capture in the Bahamas?

After stealing a boat to evade police, Colton got stuck on a sandbar. When police approached, he attempted to flee but was apprehended when they opened fire on his boat.

What legal consequences did Colton face after his arrest?

Colton was charged with multiple offenses and ultimately sentenced to 6.5 years in prison for his crimes.

What happened to the movie rights of Colton's story?

Colton sold the movie rights to his life story for $1.3 million, but he was unable to profit from it as the court ordered him to use the money to pay back his victims.

What is Colton's life like after serving his time in prison?

After completing his sentence, Colton is reported to be living a more stable life and working a regular job.