IGBT
Lifer
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September 2, 2006
CASSADAGA, New York (AP) -- For months, authorities in western New York scoured hunting campsites, stopped traffic and questioned acquaintances in a search for an escaped inmate with the skills of a seasoned outdoorsman.
On Friday, the manhunt intensified after authorities said two participating troopers were ambushed by a sniper hiding in the woods. Seventy-five additional troopers were called up to help as the pair lingered in critical condition.
Police believe the gunman was Ralph "Bucky" Phillips, who escaped from jail in April and may be traveling between Pennsylvania and western New York, said State Police Superintendent Wayne Bennett. Since his escape, Phillips has been suspected in the wounding of another state trooper, numerous burglaries and the theft of a gun shop.(Watch police fed up with fugitive, saying enough is enough -- 1:48)
"We are not looking for a shootout. That's not the way we want this to end," Bennett said. But he also warned Phillips that "We have long memories. We don't forget. We are patient. ... Don't stop to look over your shoulder because we'll be there."
'Bucky burgers' and T-shirts
The five-month manhunt has turned Phillips into somewhat of a local amusement here, sometimes frustrating police. A restaurant offered a "Bucky Burger" and some bars in the area sold T-shirts with sayings such as "Got Bucky?" (Watch relatives angry at police: "Bucky's not a bad guy!" -- 1:30)
Phillips, 44, broke out of the Erie County jail on April 2 by using a can opener to pry open a 2-by-2-foot opening in the kitchen ceiling and escaping through the roof, police have said. He was serving 90 days for a parole violation.
September 2, 2006
CASSADAGA, New York (AP) -- For months, authorities in western New York scoured hunting campsites, stopped traffic and questioned acquaintances in a search for an escaped inmate with the skills of a seasoned outdoorsman.
On Friday, the manhunt intensified after authorities said two participating troopers were ambushed by a sniper hiding in the woods. Seventy-five additional troopers were called up to help as the pair lingered in critical condition.
Police believe the gunman was Ralph "Bucky" Phillips, who escaped from jail in April and may be traveling between Pennsylvania and western New York, said State Police Superintendent Wayne Bennett. Since his escape, Phillips has been suspected in the wounding of another state trooper, numerous burglaries and the theft of a gun shop.(Watch police fed up with fugitive, saying enough is enough -- 1:48)
"We are not looking for a shootout. That's not the way we want this to end," Bennett said. But he also warned Phillips that "We have long memories. We don't forget. We are patient. ... Don't stop to look over your shoulder because we'll be there."
'Bucky burgers' and T-shirts
The five-month manhunt has turned Phillips into somewhat of a local amusement here, sometimes frustrating police. A restaurant offered a "Bucky Burger" and some bars in the area sold T-shirts with sayings such as "Got Bucky?" (Watch relatives angry at police: "Bucky's not a bad guy!" -- 1:30)
Phillips, 44, broke out of the Erie County jail on April 2 by using a can opener to pry open a 2-by-2-foot opening in the kitchen ceiling and escaping through the roof, police have said. He was serving 90 days for a parole violation.
