Recently I've been contacted by various newspapers, magazines, and radio media concerning the recent escapees, namely Richard Matt and David Sweat, from the Clinton Correctional Prison. Through those interviews I've been asked one constant question by each; " How would I have survive and escaped"?
I really have a problem answering that question, due to the fact that I'm not proud of that fact that I've been given the tag of one of the most longest running fugitives in the world....for 22 years!.
I don't believe anyone should be proud of such accomplishment, especially when it all started with a crime. However, I've been convinced by reporters and writers that many people are interested in such stories, as they offer a different and unique perspective by someone who actually done it, rather than someone who offers commentary on what they might have done.
In my book called Running Scared, as well in all my interviews, I've attempted to make it abundantly clear that I regret my past behavior. Having said that, I,ll give you my answer humbly. Remember, this is a very brief synopsis, you can fill in some of the obvious details that are obvious.
First, a few known facts and points.
A) The Clinton Correctional Center is approximately 25 miles from the Canadian border.
B) Richard Matt, the leader of this team, had previously made a statement that if he'd ever escape, he would just hunker down.
C) Correctional Officer and accomplice Joyce Mitchell, apparently decided not to meet the escapees at a designated location with a vehicle.
D) They decided that the hunkering down place, where they could find food and water, would be a cabin.
Biggest mistake
The very first huge mistake they made was hunkering down. You can only hunker down in an urban environment, such as a major city. The police can't search every home and business in a large or midsize city. But they can search a wooded environment limited to say 25 square miles or so. Therefore, I know I must run.
I only need 2 items, nothing else
I know that a human being can travel approximately 3 miles per hour, but only on flat land! But I realize that I have to travel over mountains, ravines, gullies, ditches, and crevices.
Therefore, I have calculated that this trip will take 2 days, 3 days tops! But I,m resolved to do it in 2 days. The only 2 items I need is a blanket, preferably black in color. The other item? A milk jug container, large jar, anything that can hold my water.
Here we go
Okay, we just entered the woods, headed for the Canadian border. In my jug I have water, not much, as too much weight will slow you down. I know this water will be consume quite quickly, as I must hike through thick bushes, hills, etc. I moving fairly well, hiking for hours! Getting tired now, nightfall is here. Must spend at least 1 night out here, remember?
I now locate a deep gully, crevice, ditch, or especially a standing or fallen hollowed out tree. Remember that blanket? (You brought your blanket with you when you escaped ). I will not only use that blanket for warmth, but mainly to block the Thermal Imaging Devices that I'm certain that will be used to locate me! These devices can only see the heat "coming" off the object itself. It can't see my body heat through a large 3 foot diameter hollowed tree.
Where's my food? I don't need any! You see, I know that my body can go about 21 days without food. I only need to fast 2 or 3 days remember?. When your body goes into starvation mode, your body will simply switch from burning carbohydrates to burning your fat stores. Matter of fact, I did this many times. You feel a euphoric feeling when the switch actually happens. Almost the feeling you get if you had consumed one glass of wine. Just a weird, but nice feeling.
Okay, you then say Robert, its the 2nd or 3rd day, you're out of fresh water, there's no water source for miles. Remember you asked me about my food source? Well my emergency water supply is in me as well; my urine? You say this is nasty? No, this is called surviving! Your urine can be utilized 2 or 3 times. It's about 95% water. The other solvents is waste byproducts...won't harm you.
Remember, I'm a fugitive, wanted for murder. This isn't a vacation. Matter of fact, I can consume the inner bark of a tree, not the bark though. I can chew grass until it liquefies in my mouth. Swallow the liquid, expel the grass. I can lift large fallen trees or look under rocks and gather beetles and worms.
I now arrive in Canada. Trust me, the border is very porous. You can literally place one foot in Canada and one in the United States! Upon entering, if you're not sure you're in Canada, here are a few tips.
Besides clearly seeing a highway sign, look for any trash or items in the fields. Canada is a bilingual country; the items will be written in French and English. Or you can locate the metal silver plate on a telephone pole, it will display the pole number and other information written in French and English. Think innovatively.
Now, the first thing I'm looking for is a freight train going West. It's operated by CN ( I believe it's an acronym for Canadian National ). I will head to Vancouver. But don't ride the train all the way there. By now, on the first leg of this train, you might be 100 miles or more away. Be wary of hitch hiking. Get a bicycle; You'd be surprise how far you could travel by bike. Besides, most law enforcers are not equating a cyclist with a murderer.
Avoid bus stations all together, as well as Salvation Army's and other free meal sites. My point is, by now Canada is searching for you. Wear a cap and sunglasses. Just make it West using different modes of transportation.
Okay, I,m in Vancouver. Why this city? There are certain Asian gangs there that specialize in faking passports. Particularly the Thailanders! Europe, here I come!
Obviously these men weren't survivalist, but just plain escapees. It's a huge difference!
Please note....Profits from my book are donated to various women and children centers.
I think these guys were counting heavily on the woman they duped into helping them get out. They were counting on that vehicle, regardless whether they were going to take her with them or not. So far, I'm still trying to figure out how a screwdriver enabled them to cut through steel. Some information is still missing.
Ron