The Barefoot Bandit:

May Make the Guinness Book of World Records?

By Lynn A. Granata

He grew up in a remote island off the coast of Puget Sound, WA.  With no family, he lived in a group home for orphaned children until he turned 18. Then he escaped from the harsh group home. There was a chance he may be autistic, but more than likely an idiot savant. By the way, this really is a true story and in no way is it the stuff that you'd hear about only in Hollywood.  This is a true life Rain Man like no other. 

His name is Colton Harris Moore.

"The Barefoot Bandit" AKA Colton Harris Moore.

    This poor soul is a sympathetic character.  He actually wasn't a mere orphan, but a child who was severely abused and neglected by his mother, father, and stepfather.  Camino Island is where he lived and fled from.

        What is so relentless about him, is that he lived on the run for two years before he was captured. His genius proved otherwise. He stole aircraft from places such as Indiana and the Pacific Northwest Area, without an iota of piloting training or experience! Colton would travel on foot wearing no footwear in the most difficult of terrain. 

     Amazing, to say the least. He did what he could to survive, except he unfortunately, wasn't swift enough to hide somewhere where he would be unlikely to be found. He was a survivalist in that he managed to live like a wolf in the forest. 

      He also stole cars and trucks, then fled to the Bahamas. He lived on the proceeds of his stolen property.  This guy targeted millionaires and took expensive goods. Breaking into the homes of wealthy individuals up and down the West Coast then eventually travelling to Canada and the Bahamian Islands. He was caught and captured in the Bahamas in April, 2010, extradited then sent back to the States for arraignment and prosecution.