The Library Disguise
Books as the Key
In 2007, Richard Lee McNair added a twist to the old saying “books can take you places.” At a federal prison in Pollock, Louisiana, McNair was no ordinary prisoner. Working in the mailroom, he hatched a plan that took months to prepare. Hiding himself in a pallet of mailbags, McNair was literally shipped out of prison, right under the guards’ noses. Talk about special delivery!
The Smooth Talker
But McNair’s story didn’t end there. After his escape, he was stopped by a police officer. Calm as ever, he chatted his way out of trouble, convincing the officer he was just a jogger. McNair’s escape was a testament to his patience and smooth-talking skills. Eventually, he was recaptured, but not before enjoying a brief taste of freedom and giving everyone a run for their money.
The Bed Sheet Rope
Classic Makeshift Tool
In 2015, Clinton Correctional Facility in New York, known for its tight security, became the stage for a classic jailbreak. Richard Matt and David Sweat used smuggled tools to cut through their cell walls. Their method? A rope made of bed sheets! Yes, the good old bed sheet escape. After navigating a series of tunnels, they emerged through a manhole outside the prison walls. It’s like a scene from a prison movie.
The Ultimate Manhunt
Their escape triggered one of the largest manhunts in New York history. For three weeks, the duo managed to evade capture, surviving in the wilderness. Their freedom didn’t last forever, but their daring escape exposed serious flaws in the prison’s security. Matt was shot and killed during the manhunt, while Sweat was captured and returned to a different facility, hopefully without any loose bed sheets.
